Early Wednesday morning, Indian PM Narendra Modi told reporters that his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese reassured him of his commitment to act against temple attacks and anti-India separatist elements in Australia.
Overview
Modi said India and Australia will oppose any attempts to harm their “friendly and warm” bilateral ties. Highlighting that Indians make up Australia’s second-largest demographic of immigrants, PM Modi stated that the two countries’ teams would enhance cooperation on this issue.
Meanwhile, Albanese also vowed to crack down on “extreme actions” against places of worship or on “people’s faith.” “We are a tolerant, multicultural nation, and there is no place in Australia for this,” he said.
#WATCH | PM Anthony Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of attack on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. We discussed the matter today also. We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between the India-Australia… pic.twitter.com/CJxdU64upC
— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2023
In this regard, Albanese resolved to “take every action” through Australian police and security forces to ensure that those responsible are dealt with “the full force of the law.”
Albanese previously made similar assurances to Modi during his India visit in March.
The discussions come after a Hindu temple in Brisbane was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters earlier this year. In January, a Vishnu temple was attacked with anti-India graffiti as well.
On the Indo-Pacific
During the joint press conference at the end of the three-day meeting, PM Modi discussed India and Australia’s “remarkable” prowess in defence and maritime security. To this end, he cited the several agreements made for their two armies’ logistical cooperation, which facilitates the exchange of information.
On board the @IN_R11Vikrant in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/WMEsWZ25ke
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) March 9, 2023
“Security cooperation is an important pillar [India and Australia’s] Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Modi said.
The Indian leader highlighted that he also discussed this issue in his meeting with Albanese, wherein both PMs raised concerns about the “increasingly uncertain global security environment.”
Significance of Bilateral Relationship
While addressing the Indian diaspora in Sydney, Modi also announced the launch of a new Indian consulate in the city of Brisbane.
At the event, Albanese lauded PM Modi’s popularity and the crowds he draws at such events.
Albanese highlighted that Modi’s visit marked their sixth bilateral engagement since he was elected as Australia’s PM a year ago. The frequency of meetings highlighted the importance of their bilateral ties, the Australian PM noted.
Additionally, both leaders signed a “two-way” migration deal to facilitate the movement of students, graduates, academic researchers, and business people.
During his engagements in Australia, Modi also met with Australian business leaders and welcomed their support in strengthening bilateral ties.
PM Modi’s Australia visit followed the conclusion of his trips to Papua New Guinea, for the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) summit, and Japan, for the G7 Hiroshima Summit.