Australian PM Anthony Albanese said in a press meeting on Saturday that he reassured Indian PM Narendra Modi of Canberra’s commitment to religious freedom. Albanese clarified that his country does not support extremism and attacks on religious buildings.
He further declared that the authorities would take all measures to ensure those responsible for the attacks face “the full force of the law.” “We’re a tolerant multicultural nation, and there is no place in Australia for this activity,” the PM added.
Breaking: Indian PM Modi publicly raises vandalism of temples in Australia (by Khalistani elements) during his press statements along Australia PM Albanese pic.twitter.com/9MBNPQYLmw
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 10, 2023
PM Modi Raises Concerns About Temple Attacks
Albanese and Modi met on Saturday to hold discussions, which the Australian PM celebrated as “extraordinarily successful.” In Modi’s press statement following the talks, he said he raised concern about the attacks on Hindu temples in Australia over the past few weeks.
The Indian PM lamented that given the people-to-people ties, the news “worries the people in India.” He confirmed that he was reassured of Indians’ safety, which was a “special priority” for the Australian PM.
The exchange comes amid a series of temple attacks in Australia, including the vandalisation of the Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple by a Khalistani group in Brisbane earlier this month.
It was a privilege to call on Premier of Victoria @DanielAndrewsMP today. Discussed our strong and growing bilateral relationship, the violence in Melbourne yesterday, and how to stop extremist Khalistani groups engaging in further activities prejudicial to peace and harmony. pic.twitter.com/BSA9xlGNX6
— Manpreet Vohra (@VohraManpreet) January 30, 2023
Modi, Albanese Discuss Defence and Security Ties
In the joint statement by Modi and Albanese, the pair recognised the “increasingly uncertain global security environment.” To this end, they extended support for a 2+2 Defence and Foreign Minister Dialogue to enhance cooperation between the two countries, particularly amid the “growing complexity and frequency of defence exercises and exchanges.”
In addition, the PMs condemned terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations” and supported the international community’s fight against extremism by discouraging terror financing. They also stressed the importance of accountability through mechanisms such as the UN Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee.
The pair particularly condemned the attacks on Australia and India, specifically mentioning the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks.
Pretty extraordinary - Anthony Albanese and Narendra Modi do a lap of honour in a chariot at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Deep, reverberating roar through the stadium pic.twitter.com/ipc031R4AU
— Stephen Dziedzic (@stephendziedzic) March 9, 2023
Regional and Multilateral Cooperation
The pair highlighted their commitment to an “open, inclusive, stable Indo-Pacific.” They stressed the importance of ensuring regional security through international mechanisms, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Quad alliance, ASEAN, AUKUS, and the UNSC.
In particular, they outlined the need to ensure the abidance of international law in the South China Sea.
Delighted to meet my friend, PM @AlboMP in Delhi. Our talks focussed on diverse subjects including maritime cooperation, defence, renewable energy, trade and education. Key agreements were also signed today which will boost people-to-people ties between India and Australia. pic.twitter.com/JC97ehlZff
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2023
Albanese and Modi discussed the need to expand economic ties, welcoming the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement signed on 29 December. They further spoke of expanding cooperation to counter climate change, and ensuring the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the COP26 and COP27 agendas.