After Washington Post, Now Australian Media Targets Indian Spies, Says Two Expelled For Breaching National Security

Australia has expelled two Indian spies in 2020 for allegedly attempting to gather information on sensitive defence projects and airport security, according to a report from The New Indian Express.

While The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald specified that two Indian spies were expelled, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) did not mention a specific number.

Indian officials have not yet responded to the reports from Australian media.

According to the same reports, the Indian spies were expelled after being caught trying to obtain information about sensitive defence projects, airport security, and classified details about Australia's trade relationships.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) reportedly uncovered a foreign spy ring in 2020, which was also accused of closely monitoring the Indian community in Australia and developing relationships with current and former politicians.

These reports follow a recent revelation by The Washington Post, which named an Indian RAW official for allegedly planning to assassinate Sikh extremist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil last year.

India has refuted The Washington Post's report, calling it "unwarranted and unsubstantiated."

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess mentioned the spy ring in his annual threat assessment in 2021, without disclosing the country involved.

He stated that the spies had cultivated relationships with politicians, a foreign embassy, and a state police service. They also monitored the Indian diaspora community and attempted to obtain classified information about Australia's trade relationships.

Burgess also revealed that the spy ring had successfully recruited an Australian government security clearance holder with access to sensitive details of defence technology.