A disturbing trend is unfolding in Canada, where Indians and other South Asians are facing an alarming surge in hate speech and hate crimes. Recent reports reveal a dramatic escalation in both online and offline attacks, leaving the community increasingly vulnerable.
Between 2019 and 2023, police-reported hate crimes against South Asians skyrocketed by 227%, making them the third most targeted racial group in Canada, after Black and Arab communities. This sharp rise is part of a broader wave of hostility that has gained momentum in recent years.
Online platforms have become breeding grounds for this abuse. Social media sites like X, TikTok, and Instagram have seen a staggering 1,350% increase in hate-filled slurs targeting Indians. One particularly offensive term, “pajeet,” has been used in over 26,600 posts between May 2023 and April 2025.
These digital attacks often spiral into coordinated harassment campaigns, with some calls for extreme actions like mass deportations of Indians from Canada. The reach and amplification of such content have made it increasingly difficult for the community to escape the toxic rhetoric.
Offline, the situation is equally troubling. Misinformation and negative stereotypes are being used to scapegoat Indian immigrants for societal issues like housing unaffordability, strain on public services, and alleged rises in crime. This narrative has fueled resentment and hostility in everyday interactions.
Viral videos have highlighted disturbing incidents of racism in public spaces, such as coffee shops, where Indian employees and students have been subjected to derogatory remarks about their ethnicity and supposed lack of skills. These incidents have been widely shared, further normalizing such behavior.
Extremist networks in Canada, such as the alt-right group Diagolon, have played a significant role in orchestrating these hate campaigns. Led by Jeremy MacKenzie, a former armed forces member, Diagolon has frequently targeted South Asians, including Indian elected officials and community advocates.
A particularly concerning trend is the adoption of the “Great Replacement Theory,” a far-right conspiracy that falsely claims non-white immigration is part of a plan to alter Western demographics. This rhetoric, which has antisemitic undertones, is being weaponized to demonize Indians in Canada.
In summary, Indians in Canada are facing unprecedented levels of hate, both online and offline. Driven by disinformation, extremist organizing, and the scapegoating of immigrants, this crisis has made the Indian community one of the most targeted racial groups in the country.
The surge in hate crimes and speech against Indians and other South Asians in Canada is further exacerbated by the organized efforts of extremist groups and the proliferation of conspiracy theories. Canadian extremist networks, such as the alt-right group Diagolon, have been instrumental in orchestrating and amplifying these hate campaigns. Diagolon, led by Jeremy MacKenzie, a former member of the Canadian armed forces, has made South Asians, including Indian elected officials and community advocates, frequent targets of coordinated online attacks.
One of the most disturbing aspects of this trend is the adoption of the “Great Replacement Theory,” a far-right conspiracy that falsely claims non-white immigration is part of a plan to alter the demographics of Western countries. This rhetoric, which has antisemitic undertones, has been increasingly used to demonize Indians in Canada, fueling resentment and hostility both online and offline. The theory has been invoked to scapegoat Indian immigrants for various societal issues, further normalizing discrimination and violence.
The impact of these hate campaigns extends beyond online platforms, manifesting in everyday interactions. Viral videos have highlighted disturbing incidents of racism in public spaces, such as coffee shops, where Indian employees and international students have been subjected to derogatory remarks about their ethnicity and supposed lack of skills. These incidents have been widely shared, further normalizing such behavior and creating a hostile environment for the community.
Misinformation and negative stereotypes have also been used to blame Indian immigrants for broader societal issues such as housing unaffordability, pressure on health and transport systems, and an alleged rise in crime. These narratives have been amplified by extremist groups and have contributed to the rapid spread of anti-Indian hatred across both social and mainstream media.
In summary, the surge in hate crimes and speech against Indians and other South Asians in Canada is driven by a combination of online disinformation, extremist organizing, and the scapegoating of immigrants. These trends have made the Indian community one of the most targeted racial groups in the country, prompting widespread concern about their safety, dignity, and ability to participate fully in society.
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Conclusion
The surge in hate crimes and hate speech targeting Indians and other South Asians in Canada is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. Driven by misinformation, extremist ideologies, and the scapegoating of immigrants, this crisis has created a hostile environment for the community. The alarming rise in online harassment, offline attacks, and the normalization of racist behavior underscores the need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of this hatred. It is imperative for policymakers, social media platforms, and civil society to collaborate in combating this growing threat to ensure the safety, dignity, and full participation of Indians and South Asians in Canadian society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are hate crimes against Indians and South Asians rising in Canada?
Hate crimes against Indians and South Asians in Canada are rising due to a combination of factors, including the spread of misinformation, extremist group activities, and the scapegoating of immigrants for societal issues like housing unaffordability and strain on public services.
What role do conspiracy theories like the “Great Replacement Theory” play in this crisis?
The “Great Replacement Theory” is a far-right conspiracy that falsely claims non-white immigration is part of a plan to alter Western demographics. This rhetoric has been weaponized to demonize Indians and other South Asians, fueling resentment and hostility both online and offline.
How are online platforms contributing to the problem?
Online platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram have seen a staggering increase in hate-filled slurs targeting Indians. Coordinated harassment campaigns and the amplification of offensive content have created a toxic environment, making it difficult for the community to escape the abuse.
What can be done to address this issue?
Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter moderation of online platforms, stronger hate crime laws, public awareness campaigns, and efforts to combat misinformation and extremist ideologies. Collaboration between policymakers, tech companies, and civil society is essential.
How does this affect the Indian and South Asian community in Canada?
The rise in hate crimes and speech has created a hostile environment for Indians and South Asians in Canada, impacting their sense of safety, dignity, and ability to fully participate in society. It has also led to increased anxiety and fear within the community.
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