By Girish Linganna
After official comments made by the US and Canada officials, reports have come from Australian sources about activities of Indian spies in that country. According to a report by ABC News Australia, Australian authorities expelled Indian operatives who were caught trying to obtain classified information on critical defense projects, airport security, and Australia’s trade relationships.
The foreign “nest of spies” uncovered by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) in 2020 was alleged to have been monitoring Indian residents in Australia and building relationships with current and former politicians.
According to ABC News, in his 2021 annual threat assessment, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess hinted at the existence of a “spy ring” without naming the country involved, stating that revealing this information would be an “unnecessary distraction”
Mr. Burgess mentioned in his March 2021 speech at ASIO’s Canberra headquarters that the spies had established specific connections with present and past politicians, a foreign embassy, and a state police service.
They watched their country’s community abroad and tried to get classified information about Australia’s trade relationships. They requested a government employee to share details about security procedures at a significant airport.
Mr. Burgess also explained how the” Nest of spies “had effectively developed a relationship with and enlisted an Australian government employee with security clearance, who had access to “confidential information on defense technology.”
National security and government sources have told ABC that India’s foreign intelligence service was behind the “nest of spies.” Following this discovery, the Morrison government expelled several Indian officials from Australia.
This week, The Washington Post reported that in 2020, two members of India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), were expelled from Australia after a counter-intelligence operation by ASIO.
New details have surfaced about New Delhi’s secret activities in Australia, raising concerns among Western allies about the actions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. This government faces accusations of involvement in an assassination in Canada last September.
During a November interview with ABC in the United States, Mr. Burgess did not comment on whether the foreign operations of the Indian government had raised any concerns for ASIO in Australia.
In an interview with ABC, Mr. Burgess stated, “I don’t discuss the actions of any government. You shouldn’t infer anything from that. However, I can assure you that if we identify any acts of foreign interference or plots, we will address them.”
When questioned further about his involvement in the expulsion of Indian personnel from Australia, the ASIO director-general once again chose not to comment. “We don’t discuss specific operational details, but occasionally, ASIO identifies undeclared intelligence officers operating within our borders. Through our efforts or with government assistance, these individuals often leave the country after being exposed,” explained the official.
India, a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia, plays a key role as a defense partner in the Indo-Pacific amid growing concerns over China’s military expansion.
In 2022, during his Annual Threat Assessment, Mr. Burgess pointed out that even countries viewed as allies attempt espionage activities against Australia. He mentioned, “Multiple countries are trying to spy on us, and it’s not just the ones traditionally seen as adversaries.”
“Sometimes, espionage is carried out by nations we regard as friends—friends who are assertive and have intense intelligence needs.” Government sources informed ABC that nations like Singapore, South Korea, Israel, and India are notably active in conducting espionage operations in Australia.
At the 2024 Annual Threat Assessment held at ASIO headquarters, senior diplomats and ambassadors from Singapore, South Korea, Israel, and India were among the invited guests who attended Mr. Burgess’s speech. ABC reached out to the Indian High Commission and ASIO for comments, but both declined to answer specific questions regarding the “nest of spies” operation. (IPA Service)
