During an interactive session organized by the Asia Society Policy Institute, the recently designated representative mentioned that Australia’s involvement with India on these matters is not primarily as a “Five-Eyes” ally, but rather as a close friend of India.
Philip Green, the Australian High Commissioner to India, expressed his thoughts during a discussion organized by the Asia Society Policy Institute. (image Credit-X/@AusHCIndia)
Australia expressed concerns over the USA’s allegations of an Indian connection to an assassination plot and Canada’s charges related to the killing of a Sikh separatist. However, the Australian High Commissioner to India stated that New Delhi and Canberra are capable of managing these differences and sensitive issues. The two sides discuss these matters privately and carefully. Australia’s engagement with India on these issues is as a friend rather than as a “Five-Eyes” partner.
The Five Eyes (FVEY) is a group of countries, including Australia, the US, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, that share intelligence information. Australia’s involvement with India in this matter is not just as a Five Eyes partner, but also as a friend of India. Australia has a respectful and mature relationship with India. We have private discussions about these issues and I don’t plan on providing any additional information today beyond what our foreign minister and department have already stated about their concerns regarding these matters.
When asked if Australia would treat India with the same level of friendship as it does with the US, Green stated that “the US is the cornerstone of our security.” He further mentioned that the close cooperation between Australia and the US has been established over many years in various areas. Green also acknowledged that Australia is rapidly developing its relationship with India and is working to catch up.
When questioned about the attacks on Hindu temples in Australia, Green emphasized that his country considers these incidents to be of great importance. He stated, “We treat the incidents you are referring to regarding Hindu temples with the same level of seriousness as we would treat any act involving any religious aspect within our society.”
According to Green, individuals have the right to protest peacefully in Australia without violating the law. The main objective is to ensure that a high-quality agreement is reached and that it truly benefits the bilateral relations between Australia and India. These negotiations for the CECA were initiated in May 2011.
