World
Australia Takes Attacks On Hindu Temples Seriously: High Commissioner Green
The walls of the iconic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Melbourne was vandalised by Khalistani supporters (Pic Courtesy: The Australia Today)
Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, has said that his country takes the attacks on Hindu temples "seriously".
In his address at the Asia Society Policy Institute, Green provided a comprehensive overview of the recent challenges and developments in the India-Australia relationship, including the spate of attacks on Hindu temples in Australia, the issue of Khalistani extremism, and the broader regional challenges posed by China.
Temple Vandalism in Australia
Responding to the recent attacks on Hindu temples in Australia, Green assured that the Australian government is addressing these acts of vandalism with the utmost seriousness.
"We take the sort of acts that you're talking about in relation to Hindu temples as seriously as we would take any act in relation to any religious element in our society," Green stated.
He emphasized Australia's experience in dealing with such issues and the focused efforts of the police, intelligence, and state authorities.
This issue had been previously discussed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in May 2023.
Khalistani Extremism and Regional Challenges
Addressing the sensitive issue of Khalistani extremism, Green remarked, "Our engagement with India on this issue is not primarily driven by our Five Eyes partnership, but rather by our deep friendship and respect for India, with whom we share a mature relationship."
He highlighted the private and respectful nature of discussions on these sensitive issues between the two nations.
China's Military Build-up
Green also expressed concerns about China's growing military presence, noting its significant impact beyond the military domain.
"This build-up is taking place without transparency or any attempt to reassure the region about its intentions. And its impact is not limited to the military domain," he commented, pointing to the challenges posed by China's actions.
Economic Relations and Future Outlook
On the economic relationship between India and Australia, Green highlighted the "robust growth" in bilateral trade, boosted by the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
"This flourishing economic partnership serves as a testament to the growing integration of our two economies," he noted.
Green emphasized the "multifaceted and deepening relationship" between India and Australia, which he described as critical to maintaining strategic equilibrium in the face of regional challenges and promoting economic growth and technological innovation.
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