Australia agrees to sharpen crackdown on Khalistani separatists after PM Modi and Albanese hold wide-ranging talks

Australia on Wednesday once again assured India of tightening the noose around Pakistan-backed rogue pro-Khalistani elements Down Under.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed the “pattern” of attacks on Hindu temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements in the country during their bilateral meeting at the Admiralty House in Sydney.

“Friends, Prime Minister Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of attack on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements – we discussed the pattern today also again,” revealed PM Modi after the meeting.

“We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between India and Australia by their actions or thoughts – I thank Prime Minister for the actions that have already been taken. Prime Minister Albanese has once again assured me today that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also,” he added.

This is not the first time that India has urged the Australian government to ensure the safety and security of members of the Indian community and their properties in Australia.

In March, after the first Annual Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, PM Modi raised concerns over the safety of the Indian community in Australia following the repeated incidents of vandalism and violence.

“Since the last few weeks, news of attacks on temples in Australia are coming regularly. It is natural that such news worries people in India. I have raised these concerns with Prime Minister Albanese who has assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for him,” said PM Modi with Albanese standing by his side.

Special teams from India and Australia remained in regular touch on the issue as the Australian PM assured that his government has a deep understanding and appreciation of India’s concern and will be taking all necessary measures to ensure that peace and harmony prevail in their society.

However, the acts of vandalism continued even as the Albanese government continues to affirm that it will not tolerate acts of religious extremism and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The latest incident took place at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sydney’s Rosehill in the early hours of May 5. The prominent Hindu temple – a walking distance from the Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park which was packed to capacity during PM Modi’s community reception on Tuesday – was defaced by “anti-social elements” with anti-India graffiti.

The Australian Hindu community has asserted that not even a single prosecution of the Khalistani activists – including those who indulged in communal violence on the streets of Melbourne in January – has taken place till now.

Just ahead of PM Modi’s visit, with India conveying its deep concern about the pro-Khalistan elements stepping up their activities and holding the so-called referendums, the Australian authorities cancelled a pro-Khalistan event in Blacktown City scheduled for June 4.