Hours after meeting with newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated that “India expects accountability” for the attack on the Indian consulate in San Francisco in 2023, calling it a “very serious matter” and emphasizing that those responsible should be held accountable.

Jaishankar was in the US to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President.

At a press conference in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar said, “The arson attack on our consulate in San Francisco is a very, very serious matter, and it is something for which we expect accountability. We would like to see that people who did it are held responsible.”

In March 2023, the Consulate General of India in San Francisco was attacked by a group of assailants who committed criminal trespass, damaged public property, and attacked Consulate officials. Some attackers attempted to set the Consulate building on fire using inflammable substances. Protesters were seen breaking through security barriers while raising pro-Khalistan slogans and installing two Khalistani flags inside the premises.

In July 2023, violent Khalistani activists again attacked the Indian consulate in San Francisco, attempting to burn it down. While this attack did not cause damage inside the premises, it marked the second time the consulate had been targeted by Khalistani elements.

The incident prompted the highest levels of American national security and diplomatic authorities to take notice, leading to an immediate investigation and enhanced security. India had made it clear that it wanted concrete action, not just sympathy. The Indian government sought arrests of those involved in the incidents and requested preemptive measures by US authorities to prevent such attacks in the future.

Local San Francisco police, special diplomatic security personnel, and state and federal authorities launched an investigation into the July attack. The incident was strongly condemned by the US, which called it a “criminal offence.”

EAM Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Rubio after the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump. The two leaders also briefly discussed Bangladesh, though Jaishankar refrained from offering further details, stating, “I don’t think it’s appropriate.”

On Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar attended the first Quad ministerial meeting of the new Trump administration and held his first bilateral meeting with Rubio shortly afterward.

Additionally, the EAM raised concerns about prolonged visa delays, noting that these delays impact business, tourism, and the overall relationship. He stated that the relationship is not “well-served” if it takes too long for people to obtain a visa.