'Unacceptable': Indian Consulate condemns vandalism of Swaminarayan temple in New York ahead of PM Modi’s US visit

The Consulate General of India in New York strongly condemned the vandalism of BAPS Swaminarayan temple at Melville New York ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States.

The consulate called the incident as “unacceptable” and raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities to initiate prompt action against the perpetrators. The temple was vandalized on Sep 15 night.

"The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable. The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act." The consulate said in a statement on Sep 16.

Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation called for a federal investigation.

"The @TheJusticeDept & @DHSgov must investigate this attack on the @BAPS Hindu temple in Melville, NY shared by @OnTheNewsBeat after recent threats to Hindu institutions as a large Indian community gathering is planned in nearby Nassau County this weekend," the Foundation posted on X.

Prime Minister Modi is set to embark on an important visit to the United States on Sep 20, where he will participate in the highly anticipated QUAD Summit in Delaware the next day.

US President Joe Biden will also host Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio during the summit.

Modi will address a major community event in New York on Sep 22, in which around 15,000 people are expected to participate. The event's theme is 'Modi & US: Progress Together.'

PM Modi is scheduled to meet with American business leaders the same day. The Prime Minister will also participate in the 'UN Summit for the Future' on Sep 23, where he is expected to deliver a brief speech.