Attacks on Temples: PM Modi raises temple attacks issue with Anthony Albanese, says Australian PM assures safety

New Delhi: On March 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Australian PM Anthony Albanese, in light of the recent attacks on temples in Australia, has assured that the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Australia is a priority for him.

“Since the last few weeks, news of attacks on temples in Australia are coming regularly. It is natural that such news worries people in India. I have raised these concerns with Prime Minister Albanese who has assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for him,” PM Modi on March 10 said during India-Australia: Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements.

While speaking alongside Australian PM Anthony Albanese, the PM said: “On this subject, our teams will be in regular touch and will cooperate as best as possible. It is important to deal with such challenges and global well-being.”

According to the PM, the second-largest immigrant community in Australia is currently the Indian diaspora. “This Indian community is contributing a lot to the society and economy of Australia,” the PM said.

The Australian prime minister was thanked by PM Modi for the country’s cooperation in India’s G20 chairmanship.

PM Modi stated that he would once more have the chance to welcome the Australian PM to India at the G20 Summit in September.

“Once again, a very warm welcome to the Prime Minister in India. I am sure that his visit will give new momentum and momentum to our relations,” PM Modi said.

On March 8, Australian PM Anthony Albanese arrived in Ahmedabad on a State visit to India.

Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, welcomed Albanese, who is in India on an official visit from March 8–11.

The Indian High Commission in Canberra recently condemned the “deeply disturbing” incidents of vandalisation of three Hindu temples in Melbourne and asked the Australian Government to ensure the safety and security of members of the Indian community and their properties in the country.

ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Temple was vandalised in Melbourne’s Albert Park area in January. Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs was vandalised on January 16, and BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in the Mill Park area on January 12.

“The High Commission of India strongly condemns the deeply disturbing incidents of vandalisation, including of three Hindu temples in Melbourne in recent weeks. The frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating are alarming, as are the graffiti which includes glorification of anti-Indian terrorists,” read a release issued by the Indian High Commission in Canberra on its official Twitter handle @HCICanberra.

The commission said that these vandalisation incidents are clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community.