The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned the reported vandalism and attempted arson at the Indian consulate in San Francisco on Sunday. Diya TV, a local channel, reported that Khalistanis radicals set the Indian consulate on fire between 1:30am and 2:30am. However, the damage was quickly doused by the San Francisco fire department and no staffers were injured in the incident.

The US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, tweeted that “Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the U.S. is a criminal offense.” This incident came months after a group of pro-Khalistani protesters in March attacked and damaged the Indian consulate in San Francisco.

The incident had sparked sharp condemnation from the Indian government and India-Americans, who demanded immediate action against those responsible for it. Pro-Khalistani supporters had also pulled down the Indian tricolour flying atop the Indian high commission in London.

In response, India has asked Canada to urgently act against so-called Khalistan extremists who are planning to take out a protest march to Indian embassies in Toronto and Vancouver. Such actions by extremists are a clear threat to diplomatic security, and the US has taken a stand against such violent activities.

The US is committed to upholding the safety and security of diplomatic facilities and personnel in the US, and the State Department has taken steps to ensure that those responsible for such acts will be held accountable.

It is essential that the US and its allies remain vigilant and continue to support diplomatic security in order to maintain peace and stability.