What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
In the wake of frequent attacks on Indian places of worship in Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday raised the matter during a joint press briefing with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, who is on a three-day visit to India. PM Modi said that it was a matter of regret that Hindu temples were being attacked and that such news affects Indians back home.
“The Indian diaspora is now the second-largest immigrant community in Australia. This Indian community is making a significant contribution to the society and economy of Australia. It is a matter of regret that attacks on temples have been regularly reported in Australia over the past few weeks. It is natural that such news worries everyone in India and disturbs our minds,” he said during the press briefing in Hyderabad House in the national capital.
PM Modi in his press statement in Hindi said that the Australian PM has assured the safety of the Indian community and that teams from both countries will remain in touch on the issue. “I put these feelings and concerns of ours before Prime Minister Albanese. And they have assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for them. Our teams will be in regular contact on this topic, and will cooperate as much as possible.” PM Modi said.
Several MOUs were exchanged between the two countries. Trade, investment, defense, education, and renewable energy were discussed between the two leaders along with concerns on safety of the Indian Diaspora in Australia.
PM Albanese during his part of the joint statement refrained from touching upon the subject, though.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra while briefing the media on the meeting between the PM of the two countries said, “Discussions also came in about disturbance by pro-Khalistani outfits in Australia. Prime Minister Modi expressed strong concern on incidents of vandalism and violence targeting Indian communities and temples in Australia. Prime Minister Albanese has assured Prime Minister Modi that his government has a deep understanding and appreciation of India’s concerns and will be taking all necessary measures to see that peace and harmony prevail in society.”
Nearly four temples in Australia have been vandalized in the last two months. Last week, a prominent Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters. On January 23, the walls of the revered ISCKON temple in Melbourne were vandalized with Anti-India graffiti. On January 16, the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, Victoria, was vandalised in a similar manner and just four days before that on January 12, the Swaminarayan temple in Melbourne was defaced by anti-India graffiti in the same way.
Albanese arrived in Ahmedabad on March 8 for a three-day visit. Besides participating in Holi celebrations on Wednesday, he joined Modi to watch the first day of the final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Thursday. On Friday he met India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar after which he was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi and welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
