New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held wide-ranging talks with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese to strengthen ties between the two countries on renewable energy, trade and defence. Prime Minister Modi said the two leaders also discussed the temple vandalism incidents in Australia.
“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and I have discussed attacks on temples in Australia and activities by Separatist elements in the past. We also discussed the matter today,” Prime Minister Modi said.
He said the Australian Prime Minister had assured him of strict action against those who engage in such vandalism.
“We will not accept any element whose actions or thoughts damage the friendly and cordial relations between India and Australia. Prime Minister Albanese reassured me today that he will continue to take strict action against such elements in the future,” he said.
In March, a prominent Hindu temple in Brisbane, the Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple, was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters. This was the fourth incident of vandalism against Hindu temples in Australia in two months.
On January 16, the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Australia’s Carrum Downs was vandalized by anti-Hindu graffiti.
On January 12, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Australia’s Mill Park was daubed with anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti. The temple was vandalized by anti-India elements and anti-India slogans were painted on the walls of the temple in the suburb of Mill Park, The Australia Today reported.
Ahead of the talks, Prime Minister Modi was given a ceremonial honor guard at Admiralty House in Sydney.
The talks came a day after Prime Minister Modi addressed the Indian community at a rally in Sydney that was also attended by Albanians.