Canberra: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated on Tuesday that she had addressed with her Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, the allegations from Canada that India had targeted Sikh activists residing on Canadian soil.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wong briefed the media following her meeting with Jaishankar at Parliament House in Canberra. She confirmed that discussions had taken place concerning the allegations, which New Delhi had previously denied. India has refuted Ottawa’s claim that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the targeting of Sikh activists in Canada.

Responding to questions, Wong emphasized her message to the Sikh community in Australia, asserting their right to safety and respect, reflecting the core values of Australia’s multicultural democracy. A transcript from the Australian Foreign Ministry quoted Wong saying, “We have made clear our concerns about the allegations under investigation,” and affirmed Canberra’s respect for Canada’s judicial process.

Wong further stated, “We
convey our views to India as you would expect us to do. And we have a principle position in relation to matters such as the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and also frankly the sovereignty of all countries.”

Highlighting the close intelligence-sharing relationship between Australia and Canada as part of the Five Eyes alliance, which includes the US, Britain, and New Zealand, Wong reiterated the importance of these alliances in addressing such matters.

Meanwhile, Jaishankar accused Canada of establishing a pattern of making allegations without providing specifics. He criticized the surveillance of Indian diplomats by Canada, labeling it as “unacceptable,” and claimed that “political space” was being afforded to extremist voices in Canada.