MEA calls Illinois Hindu temple threat a matter of deep concern, urges US to protect Indians

India on Friday urged the United States to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals after an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois, describing the incident as a matter of "deep concern" and highlighting growing cases of hate crimes and racial discrimination against the Indian community.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks in response to a query during his bi-weekly media briefing.

"At the same time it is something that shows or highlights the increasing cases of hate crimes and racial discrimination against the Indian community in the United States," he said.

"We have taken note of the action that the US law enforcement authorities have undertaken, once this incident happened. But, we call on the US side to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals in the United States," the MEA spokesperson said.

A 19-year-old was arrested in Palatine near Chicago for allegedly planning a mass shooting at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Aurora, Illinois, on Sunday. The plan failed after the gun carried by the teenager jammed and could not fire.

He appeared in court on October 14 and was charged with one count of making a terror threat and one count of unlawful possession of weapons.

India on Thursday said it was deeply concerned by reports of the alleged plot and underlined that the incident adds to growing concerns over "racist hostility and anti-India hate" in the United States.

A large number of US lawmakers and advocacy groups have expressed shock over the incident, saying anti-India hatred was turning into violence.

In response to a separate query on reactions from abroad to the protests in Delhi and the MEA's position on the issue, Jaiswal said, "We have institutions and agencies that are keeping an eye on it, and they are doing what they have to do," he said.

On the US-Russia diesel deal, Jaiswal said, "We do not wish to comment on commercial arrangements struck by other countries except to say that we have always advocated for stability in global energy markets."