TRANSCRIPT
India's diplomatic presence is well known, in the heart of the nation's capital.
But news of a spying operation is something Australia's politicians were keen to dodge... including the Prime Minister...
"I don't comment on intelligence matters."
... Treasurer Jim Chalmers...
"I don't really propose to get into those stories."
... and foreign minister Penny Wong:
"We don't comment on intelligence matter, as a matter of general principle Australia remains consistent with its values."
Senator Wong says the Albanese government values Australia's multicultural communities and welcomes their continued engagement in its democracy.
"I think you would have heard me and other ministers on many occasions assert the importance of our democratic principles, and that we maintain the resilience of our democracy, including in the face of any suggestion of foreign interference."
Last year the Prime Minister delivered a warm welcome to the Indian Leader Narendra Modi.
But back in 2020 under the Morrison government, the head of the nation's spy agency ASIO, Mike Burgess revealed it discovered and reported a group of undercover operatives, but did not reveal which country was responsible.
"One of ASIO’s investigations focused on a nest of spies, from a particular foreign intelligence service, that was operating in Australia. They monitored their country’s diaspora community. They tried to obtain classified information about Australia’s trade relationships. They asked a public servant to provide information on security protocols at a major airport."
But this week a Washington Post investigation did reveal which country was behind the operation, saying two members of India's spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, were identified.
Intelligence operatives with knowledge of this case have confirmed to SBS News that the spies were operating for the Indian foreign intelligence service.
The main espionage threat to Australia comes from the Chinese Government but nations considered close allies also conduct clandestine operations.
If they're discovered they are quietly asked to leave.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton - who was Minister for Home Affairs in 2020 - says Australia is facing a significant threat of foreign interference.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says Australia's now moving to overhaul foreign investment rules to protect national security.
"Australia welcomes foreign investment but only if it’s in our national interest. And the global conditions I’ve described today demand a rethink of the regime that underpins it."
And Dr Chalmers told the ABC Australia still has a strong relationship with India.
"We've got a good relationship with India and with other countries in the region, it’s an important economic relationship. It’s become closer, I think, in recent years as a consequence of efforts on both sides and that’s a good thing."
Seeking the balance between trade sovereignty ... in a quickly changing global environment.
