Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to take "strict action" against "anti-India elements" after Indian PM Narendra Modi raised the issue of vandalism of Hindu temples in his country in their bilateral talks held on Wednesday.
"PM Anthony Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of attack on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. We discussed the matter today also," the Indian leader said. "We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between the India-Australia relationship by their action or thoughts. PM Albanese assured me once again today that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also."
This isn't the first time, Modi has taken up the matter with the Australian Prime Minister. Previously in March, he discussed the incidents of smearing Hindu places of worship with anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti in the Oceania nation.
"I have seen reports of attacks on temples in Australia. I have conveyed this to PM Albanese and he has assured me that the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Australia is a priority for them," Modi said during his meeting with the Australian PM two months ago.
This came after Hindu temples in major cities like Brisbane and Melbourne came under attack from alleged pro-Khalistan supporters.
In March, Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane was painted with anti-India slogans.
Before that Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, and the ISCKON temple, both in Melbourne, were painted with anti-India graffiti, including slogans such as "Hindustan Murdabad" ("death to India") and "Modi Hitler" featuring on their outer walls.
Khalistan secessionists, agitating for a separate nation for Sikhs in India's northern Punjab state, are said to be behind such acts in Australia.