India-Australia summit: PM raises attacks on temples

Australian Prime Minister Albanese Albanese assures safety of Indians

- ASHOK TUTEJA

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the safety of Indians was a priority for him after the Indian leader raised with him the recent vandalism of Hindu temples in his country as their two nations decided to deepen cooperation in diverse fields by signing four key accords.

“It’s a matter of regret that there have been reports of attacks on temples in Australia in recent weeks. It's natural that such news makes people in India worried. I conveyed the sentiments of the people of India to Prime Minister Albanese. He assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for him,” Mr Modi said at a joint media interaction with the Australian PM after the first India-Australia Annual summit.

Later, at a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the Indian side also conveyed to the Australian side its concern over the activities of 'pro-Khalistan' elements in Australia. “The Australian side said it would look into the issue and take suitable measures,” he added.