The bilateral relationship between Australia and India has improved in recent years, according to senior Australian government officials. However, they declined to comment on reports that two Indian spies were secretly expelled from Australia four years ago. Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that Australia has a good relationship with India and other countries in the region, emphasizing the importance of the economic relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong also avoided questions about the reported spying, sticking to the government’s policy of not commenting on intelligence matters.
India is becoming an increasingly important trading partner for Australia, as the country looks to reduce its economic dependence on China. Additionally, India and Australia are strengthening their military ties as members of the Quad security dialogue, which also includes the United States and Japan. The Labor Party government, which was not in power when the two Indian spies were removed by the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), has not made any comments on the issue. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess revealed the activities of the spies, describing them as a “nest of spies” who targeted relationships with politicians, monitored the diaspora in Australia, and obtained classified information about trade relationships.
While Burgess did not reveal the nation behind the espionage activities, it is suspected by many observers to be either China or Russia. Multiple news outlets, including The Washington Post, The Sydney Morning Herald, and Australian Broadcasting Corp, have cited anonymous security officials identifying the spies as operatives of India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing. The spies were reported to have asked for information on security protocols at an Australian airport and recruited an official with security clearance to access sensitive details about defense technology. Despite these revelations, Burgess and ASIO have not explicitly stated whether India was responsible for the spying activities.
The Indian High Commission in Australia did not respond to a request for comment on the reports of espionage activities. The Australian government continues to maintain that its relationship with India is strong and that efforts have been made to strengthen ties between the two countries in recent years. While the issue of the expelled spies remains unresolved, it has raised questions about the complex dynamics of intelligence activities and bilateral relationships in the Asia-Pacific region. As Australia navigates its economic and security interests in the region, maintaining positive relations with key partners like India will be crucial for its future diplomatic engagements.
