Australia has discreetly expelled four Indian intelligence agents who were allegedly involved in espionage activities targeting sensitive defense technology, political figures, and airport security protocols, according to an investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The covert operation came to light following the investigation, which revealed that the Indian spies had been attempting to access classified defense information and security protocols. They were also found to be monitoring former and current politicians, a state police service, and the Indian Australian community.

Despite the public emphasis on strong diplomatic and trade relations between Canberra and New Delhi, Australian officials reportedly discovered the espionage activities in 2020, causing significant concern within the government. In 2021, Mike Burgess, Australia’s intelligence chief, disclosed that his agency had identified a “nest of spies,” though he refrained from naming India directly. Burgess stated, “We confronted the foreign spies and quietly and professionally removed them.” He noted that the spies had developed targeted relationships with current and former politicians, a foreign embassy, and a state police service. They had also allegedly attempted to obtain classified information about Australia’s trade relationships and asked a public servant for details on security protocols at a major airport.

The ABC investigation highlighted that the expulsion of the spies was kept under wraps to avoid public embarrassment for the Narendra Modi government, which aims to position India as a significant global player. At the time, Burgess had noted that the nation behind the operation was “not from a country in our region” and that naming it would serve as an “unnecessary distraction.”

Greens Senator David Shoebridge criticized the decision to handle the matter discreetly, arguing that a public condemnation would have established a more transparent baseline for Australia’s relationship with India and reassured diaspora communities. He emphasized the need for Australia to be forthright about the human rights and political challenges posed by the BJP administration both domestically and internationally.

“Not only would it have been good to have an honest baseline for our relationship with India, but it would have also sent a message to the diaspora communities here that we’ve got your back,” Shoebridge said.

In April, the Washington Post reported the expulsion of two Indian foreign intelligence agents from Australia. Shoebridge reiterated the need for a robust, mature, and honest relationship with India, one that openly addresses such espionage activities. “Australia must have a robust, mature and honest relationship with India that includes being frank about the human rights and political challenges the BJP administration is creating both at home and abroad,” he stated.

The Indian foreign ministry responded to the Washington Post report by dismissing the claims as “unwarranted and unsubstantiated.” The ABC investigation also uncovered alleged threats against Australian Sikh activists by Indian authorities. Moninder Singh, a leader in the Khalistan movement, expressed fear for his safety following the assassination of his friend Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, an act reportedly orchestrated by Indian intelligence operatives. The Khalistan movement seeks an independent state for Sikhs in northwest India, particularly Punjab, but the Indian government has labeled its leaders as terrorists. The ABC report suggested that the expulsion of multiple operatives could place India alongside Russia and China in terms of violating international protocols.

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