The MEA spokesperson also noted the importance of India-Australia ties, saying, “We value a comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia, of which our people-to-people ties are a very important element, and in fact, they bolster our strategic ties.”
Photo: IANS
Reacting to recent anti-immigrant protests in Australia, India on Friday said New Delhi remained in touch with the Australian government as also with the diaspora organisation over the issue, asserting that the government of India is committed to securing the welfare and well-being of all Indians abroad.
Addressing his weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are all aware that anti-immigrant protests happened in many cities across Australia on 31 August. Our High Commissions and Consulate Generals were in regular touch with the Australian government, as also with our community members in this regard… Before the protests took place, our High Commission shared the concerns of the Indian diaspora with the Australian government.”
Advertisement
The MEA spokesperson confirmed that the Australian government had formally responded to India’s concerns. “We received a formal response from the Australian side, where they acknowledged that the protest in Australia may be of concern for Australia’s diverse communities. At the same time, we would have seen that senior leaders and politicians, both from the Australian government side and also from the opposition side, have issued statements supporting the multicultural identity of Australia. They’ve also recognised the role played by the Indian Australian community in the overall progress and development of Australia, and they appreciate and acknowledge this role very much,” Jaiswal said.
Advertisement
Reiterating India’s stance, he added, “On our side, we continue to firmly believe that diversity is strength. We value a comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia, of which our people-to-people ties are a very important element, and in fact, they bolster our strategic ties. The Government of India remains committed to securing the welfare and well-being of all Indians abroad, and we are in touch with the Australian Government, as also with the diaspora organisation in Australia.”
The MEA spokesperson also noted the importance of India-Australia ties, saying, “We value a comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia, of which our people-to-people ties are a very important element, and in fact, they bolster our strategic ties.”
Protests erupted in Australia on August 31, with thousands of people participating in rallies in capital cities and regional centres, carrying Australian flags and demanding an end to what they term “mass migration” into Australia. The organisers termed the protest ‘March for Australia’.
Clashes erupted between anti-immigration rally participants, counter-protesters, and police in the streets of Melbourne, Australia-based SBS News reported. State and Federal governments have denounced the rallies, with Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells saying they were “awful scenes” involving “known racists.”
Anti-fascist protesters also took to the streets in Melbourne against the participants of the rally, with one protester grabbing the microphone during the speeches. The event coincided with the weekly pro-Palestinian marches, with protesters standing against what they termed a display of racism and slammed the federal government’s attitude towards refugees, as per the SBS News report.
Advertisement
