Australia downplays India’s role in country’s internal affairs
Australia (a close ally of Canada) Penny Wong has stated that the Albanese government is deeply concerned by allegations that India was behind the murder of a Sikh man in Canada. However, she downplayed that India would meddle in Australia's internal affairs.
Speaking at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Wong said the Australian government had raised the issue with its Indian counterparts and would continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Investigations are still under way but obviously these are concerning reports,” she said, adding, “Australia’s principal position is that we believe the sovereignty of a country should be respected. We believe the rule of law should be respected.”
Asked if she had any concerns about foreign interference from India on her home soil, Wong replied: “I think Australia is a robust democracy and I think the Indian diaspora has a range of views and we have made it clear… that the peaceful expression of different views is a key part of Australia’s democracy.”
ET has reliably learnt that the Indian government is closely monitoring reactions by Five Eyes even though the USA had reportedly refused to issue a joint statement by the five on Canada PM Justin Trudeau’s allegations a few weeks back.
Earlier this year, India had read the riot act to Australia after temples were vandalised in Australia by Sikh radicals.
India and Australia ties are at an all-time high and Canberra is unlikely to take any steps to derail the strategic partnership, sources told ET. Australia, unlike few other members of the West, did not create obstacles for India on the joint statement in the run-up to the G20 Summit, sources recalled.
Joining the chorus, New Zealand (another member of Five
