SYDNEY, Australia: Senior Australian ministers declined to confirm reports of a “nest” of Indian spies uncovered in the country, raising concerns about potential damage to the burgeoning alliance between the two nations.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and several key ministers avoided commenting on allegations that Indian intelligence operatives attempted to steal defence secrets and monitor expatriate communities in 2020, as reported by public broadcaster ABC.
While intelligence agencies revealed the presence of foreign spies in Australia in 2021, the specific identities of these operatives and their country of origin remained undisclosed. However, recent media reports, including those from ABC, claim that the spies were dispatched from India.
The timing of these revelations is politically sensitive for Canberra, given the strengthening security relationship between India and Australia as part of the Quad security partnership, which also includes the United States and Japan.
Despite concerns about sectarian policies and democratic issues within India’s government, Australian officials have prioritized trade and defence cooperation, with Prime Minister Albanese fostering a positive relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent visit.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles and maintaining resilience against foreign interference, without directly addressing the specific allegations.
While Treasurer Jim Chalmers refrained from discussing the issue, he underscored the overall positive relationship between Australia and India.
Previously, top Australian spymaster Mike Burgess accused the foreign spies of attempting to cultivate relationships with politicians and gather classified information, including details about trade relationships and security protocols at major airports.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian High Commission has yet to respond to requests for comment, leaving the diplomatic implications of these allegations uncertain.
