India urges US to safeguard citizens after teen plot at Illinois Hindu temple foiled

A 19‑year‑old was arrested in Palatine, near Chicago, for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, Illinois, after the gun he carried jammed and could not fire. He appeared in court on October 14 and faced one count of making a terror threat and one count of unlawful possession of weapons. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the incident a matter of deep concern and said it highlights the rise in hate crimes and racial discrimination against the Indian community in the United States. Jaiswal urged American authorities to ensure the safety, security and well‑being of Indian nationals living in the US. India said the plot adds to growing worries over “racist hostility and anti‑India hate” in the country. Numerous US lawmakers and advocacy groups have expressed shock, noting that anti‑India sentiment appears to be turning violent. When asked about reactions abroad to protests in Delhi, Jaiswal said Indian agencies are monitoring the situation and taking necessary actions. He also declined to comment on a separate US‑Russia diesel deal, stressing India’s focus on stability in global energy markets. ## Context The incident reflects a broader pattern of hate‑motivated threats faced by diaspora communities, prompting both diplomatic pressure and calls for tighter security measures in the US.