In a conversation with ANI, Green emphasized that Australian authorities across multiple sectors remain actively engaged on the issue. He stated that multicultural, intelligence, police, and foreign policy agencies in Australia maintain regular coordination and dialogue concerning such matters. He made it unequivocally clear that Australia does not support any separatist agenda challenging India’s sovereignty.
“We have certainly taken note. Our multicultural, intelligence, police, and foreign policy authorities meet frequently and engage on this. We take Indian interests seriously. Let me be very clear: Australia believes in the territorial integrity of India as it is. We have no truck with irredentist elements,” Green said.
At the same time, the High Commissioner underlined Australia’s commitment to democratic principles, including the right to peaceful protest. He clarified that while individuals are free to express their views and demonstrate within the legal framework, any form of criminal activity would not be tolerated.
“However, I would say that one of the elements of our democracy is the right to peaceful protest. People are entitled to hold and make known their views and demonstrate peacefully within the law. That will continue to be allowed, but what will not be allowed is any criminal activity,” he added.
The issue gained prominence following developments on June 10, 2023, when tensions emerged between Sikh and Hindu communities in Australia. According to a report by ABC News, a controversial vote aimed at building political support for an independent Sikh state triggered unrest. Members of the Sikh community had gathered at a construction site in Minchinbury, located in Sydney’s western suburbs, to participate in what was described as a “referendum” advocating the creation of a separate state called Khalistan in India’s Punjab region.
Addressing concerns over recent deportations of Indian nationals from Australia, Green characterized these instances as isolated. He highlighted the scale of legitimate travel between the two countries, noting that approximately 450,000 Indians visited Australia for tourism in the previous year, while another 50,000 traveled as students.
“These are isolated cases. There were 450,000 Indians who went to Australia for tourism last year and another 50,000 who went as students. What you are talking about is a handful of people. We have a visa system that requires people to depart Australia at the end of their visa, and we will always stick by that,” he said.
Meanwhile, a delegation from the Punjab Government received Indian nationals deported from Australia at Delhi airport on April 30. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that 15 individuals were deported, including 11 from Punjab. Among them were one woman and ten young men.
The developments underscore the delicate balance Australia seeks to maintain between upholding democratic freedoms and addressing India’s security concerns, as both nations continue to navigate sensitive issues within the framework of their strategic partnership.
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