Hate Against Indians in Canada Rises Amid Misinformation and Fear

Canada, long known for its multicultural values, now faces a serious issue—hate against Indian immigrants is growing fast. Between May 2023 and April 2025, over 26,600 hate posts targeted South Asians on social media platform X. That’s a 1,350% increase compared to the previous year.

At the same time, hate crimes against South Asians rose 227% since 2019, especially in cities like Toronto, Brampton, and Calgary. Police data shows South Asians are now the third most targeted group, after Jewish and Black communities.

One viral post with the words “deport the invaders” had over 760,000 views. In Calgary, an Indian student was mocked for his turban. In Brampton, gurdwaras and Indian businesses faced vandalism. The hate online is turning into real-life danger.

Crime by Few Stains Image of Many

Some Indian-origin individuals have been linked to gang violence and fraud. These cases, though serious, are rare. Yet, social media highlights them so much that all Indians get wrongly blamed.

In Brampton, drive-by shootings hit Indian shops. In Surrey, gangs threatened Indian-owned restaurants for money. The public sees these incidents and assumes every Indian is part of the problem.

But data proves otherwise. A 2018 study found that immigrants in Canada, including Indians, commit fewer crimes than Canadians born in the country.

Why the Hate Is Growing

Rising home prices and job shortages are making Canadians angry. Many blame Indian immigrants, saying they take jobs or raise housing costs. But facts say otherwise. A 2022 report showed only 11% of housing price hikes came from immigration. Most came from investment buying and poor housing policies.

Still, misinformation spreads quickly. Online posts falsely claim Indians get “free houses” or “take over jobs.” Some posts promote a lie called the “Great Replacement Theory,” which says immigrants are replacing local Canadians. These false ideas are gaining millions of views.

Real Stories of Fear and Pain

Many Indians in Canada now feel unsafe. Priya Sharma, a nurse, said she stopped wearing a bindi after seeing hateful posts online. Ravi Singh, a truck driver, had a brick thrown through his window with a slur on it.

Festivals like Diwali and Vaisakhi now require extra security. People avoid speaking their language in public. A recent mental health survey said 62% of South Asian immigrants feel more anxious today due to rising hate.

Contributions Often Overlooked

Despite the hate, the Indian community continues to support Canada’s growth. From hospitals to schools, Indian Canadians have donated millions. In business, they help drive jobs and innovation. In medicine, over 12% of doctors are of South Asian descent.

Indian food, festivals, and culture have become part of Canadian life. Yet their positive impact often gets lost in the noise of fear and hate.

Government and Community Action

The Canadian government introduced an $85 million plan to tackle hate. There are stricter penalties for hate speech and better support for victims. Police in British Columbia launched Operation Trident, which targeted gang activity and made 15 arrests.

Still, only 12% of hate crime reports led to charges in 2023. Many victims stay silent due to fear or distrust of authorities.

Community groups are stepping up. Rallies in Toronto say “Hate Has No Home Here.” Town halls, mental health support, and legal aid are being offered. People like Bill Malhotra, Bob Dhillon, and Bikram Dhillon continue to give back, showing the Indian community’s commitment to Canada.

A History of Struggle and Strength

Indians first came to Canada in 1904. They worked hard in mills and railways and faced open racism. The Komagata Maru incident in 1914 showed just how hard life was. But the community pushed forward.

The 1960s brought change. New immigration rules allowed skilled Indians to move in. Now, 1.3 million Indians live in Canada. They contribute in every field—medicine, tech, business, and education.

Canada Must Choose Unity Over Division

Crime by a few should not define an entire group. Economic and social challenges should lead to policy—not hate. As Priya Sharma says, “We’re here to contribute, not take.”

Canada must protect its core values. That means rejecting hate, fixing misinformation, and standing by every community.