India has raised with Australia rising incidents of vandalism and attacks by Sikh radicals and has asked local authorities to check extremism to maintain momentum in strategic ties built at the first annual summit here earlier this month.
The rising incidents of Sikh vandalism against the Indian community in Australia, besides the so-called referendum last Sunday, has been raised with Canberra on a number of occasions in the recent days, ET has learnt. Australian government sources told ET that they are taking the developments seriously and acting on them.
Canberra has been asked to clamp down on local cells of Sikh extremists and credible inputs have been shared with the Australian authorities, sources indicated. Australia has been told in no uncertain terms that if the incidents of Sikh radicalism are not checked, it may cast shadow over the strategic partnership, sources hinted.
Australia is being sensitised about the spreading Khalistan ideology on their soil and their links with networks in the UK, Canada, USA and Europe, sources indicated. India has raised the matter with the UK and USA missions here and steps are being taken against UK's diplomatic establishments to send a strong message.
What has irked the Indian government is the fact that the Sikh radicals are having a free run despite the issue being raised during the visit of PM Anthony Albanese to India.
