In its first reaction to the controversy over Canada’s allegation that Indian officials played a role in the killing of a Khalistani terrorist, Australia has called the reports “concerning” and said it has raised the issue with its “Indian counterparts”.
Australia is a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad, grouping with India, Japan and the United States. It is also part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance with Canada, the US, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Speaking in the Canadian parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had said his government had “credible allegations” linking the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June with the “agents of the Government of India”. The next day, Mr Trudeau said he was not looking to “provoke” India or “escalate” tension, but wanted New Delhi to treat Nijjar’s killing with “utmost seriousness”.
The Indian government has rejected the allegation as “absurd and motivated”.
Responding to a question from a reporter on Mr Trudeau’s claim, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, “Look, these are concerning reports, and I note that investigations are still underway, but obviously these are concerning reports and we are monitoring these developments closely with our partners, and we’ll continue to do so… We have, Australia has raised these issues with our Indian counterparts, as you would expect us to do.
On whether Australia was planning to raise the issue with Japan, since it is a member of the Quad, Ms Wong said while she can’t give a commentary on what is raised and what will be raised, the country’s principal position is that it believes the sovereignty of all countries and the rule of law should be respected.
Asked if she had concerns about foreign interference from India in Australia, the minister said, “I think Australia is a robust democracy, and I think the Indian diaspora has a range of views, and you know, we have made clear in relation to democratic debate in Australia that the peaceful expression of different views is a key part of Australia’s democracy, and I think most Australians would agree with that.”
