In recent years, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enjoyed warm receptions during visits to Australia and the United States. However, the recent exposure of a clandestine "nest of spies" dispatched to Australia raises significant concerns. The revelation of India's involvement in orchestrating this covert operation serves as a stark warning, suggesting broader implications beyond espionage activities.

The expulsion of two Indian operatives in 2020, following the uncovering of their surveillance of the Sikh community in Australia, underscores a troubling reality. Intelligence sources confirm these agents were acting on behalf of India's foreign intelligence service, shedding light on the extent of their activities. William Stoltz, a national security expert at the Australian National University, posits that the public disclosure of India's espionage endeavors likely aims to send a clear message.

The disclosure of India's involvement, initially hinted at by Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) chief Mike Burgess in 2021, underscores the gravity of the situation. Burgess revealed that the spies had cultivated relationships with politicians, a foreign embassy, and a state police service. Their activities also included surveillance of Australia's diaspora community and attempts to access classified information regarding trade relationships and airport security protocols.

This revelation comes amidst growing concerns about India's alleged targeting of the Sikh community globally. Originating from the Punjab region of India, Sikhs have faced historical persecution, notably during the 1980s and 1990s in the movement for a separate Sikh state, known as Khalistan. Reports of India's intelligence service's involvement in an attempted assassination of Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States further exacerbate these concerns.

As India's global influence expands, this episode underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and the challenges it presents. With one billion voters and entrenched ideological battles, India's actions reverberate far beyond its borders. The recent exposure of its espionage activities serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between national interests and international security concerns.

White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre's firm declaration underscores the gravity of recent accusations leveled against India. "We're taking that very, very seriously," she emphasized to reporters, highlighting India's commitment to investigate the matter. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's public accusation of India's involvement in the death of Sikh advocate and separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar has ignited international scrutiny. Despite India's denial of involvement, three individuals have been charged in connection with Nijjar's death, prompting authorities to explore potential links to the Indian government.

The assassination of Nijjar has reverberated globally, eliciting shock and concern among Western intelligence officials and foreign affairs observers. Stoltz, emphasizing the brazenness of the act, noted the alarm it has caused within diplomatic circles. The incident has prompted a coalition of nations, including Canada, Australia, the United States, Germany, and Britain, to voice collective condemnation. Their message is clear: India's actions have crossed a line, particularly concerning its treatment of dissidents on foreign soil.

The spotlight on Nijjar's death has also brought renewed attention to the Khalistan movement, which advocates for a separate Sikh state. This renewed focus, coupled with recent media reporting, serves as a public deterrent against further aggressive actions by India. Stoltz suggests that these governments are signaling their disapproval and urging India to cease such behavior, especially amidst growing concerns about China's regional aggression.

Australia's Indian diaspora, particularly the Sikh community, plays a significant role in shaping domestic dynamics. The burgeoning Punjabi population, reflected in the rapid growth of the Punjabi language and Sikhism as a religious identification, underscores the community's increasing influence. While Khalistan may not enjoy significant traction within India, its support has surged among diaspora populations in countries like Australia, the United States, and Canada over the past decade.

Against the backdrop of sectarian tensions and evolving geopolitical dynamics, the death of Nijjar serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding minority rights and diplomatic relations on the global stage.

The Sikh community's advocacy for Khalistan, a movement seeking a separate Sikh state in India, has triggered tensions with the Indian government. Ian Hall, shedding light on the matter, explains how actions deemed provocative by India, such as holding unofficial referendums to gauge support for Khalistan, exacerbate these tensions. While these referendums lack official standing, they stir dissent within the Sikh community and irk the Indian government.

Hall acknowledges India's reluctance to revisit the tumultuous era of Sikh insurgency, marked by tragic events like the bombing of an Air India plane in 1985. However, he condemns India's resort to espionage and alleged assassinations on foreign soil as unacceptable. Such actions, he argues, have strained trust between Australia and India and crossed established boundaries of international conduct.

Reports of Indian surveillance on Sikhs in Australia come as no surprise to Samar Kohli, president of the Sovereign Sikh Society. Kohli attests to the longstanding perception within the community of being under surveillance, even alerting authorities to their suspicions years ago. The community's heightened awareness was further fueled by the presence of Indian High Commission representatives at various events, raising concerns of undue monitoring.

The Sikh community's visibility surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably through their altruistic endeavors of providing free meals to those in need. However, their activism has also drawn attention from security agencies. ASIO's engagement with Kohli prior to a Khalistan referendum in Sydney reflects the agency's vigilance in assessing community sentiments and potential threats. Similarly, discussions ensued following the alleged assassination in Canada, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

While Kohli lauds the efforts of security agencies, he criticizes Australian politicians, particularly Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, for welcoming Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid escalating tensions. This discord underscores the challenges of balancing diplomatic relations with India while addressing concerns within the Sikh community.

Albanese's characterization of Modi as "the boss" at a large event in Sydney's west has stirred controversy, with Samar Kohli alleging it's now being exploited as propaganda for Modi's election campaign. Despite criticism, Prime Minister Albanese has defended his remarks, citing them as a customary welcome extended to visiting dignitaries. However, his government has opted not to address recent reports regarding Indian spies, maintaining a stance of non-disclosure on intelligence matters. SBS News' attempts to solicit comments from the Indian High Commission and Hindu Council of Australia have yielded no response.

William Stoltz underscores the legitimate concerns of diaspora communities, including Sikhs in Australia, regarding surveillance and harassment. With advancing technology facilitating easier monitoring and cyber intrusions, Stoltz warns of the heightened vulnerability faced by such communities. This concern extends beyond Sikh populations to encompass Chinese, Persian, African, and Myanmar communities, reflecting broader trends in modern geopolitics.

Stoltz emphasizes Australia's multicultural fabric and the responsibility incumbent upon the government to safeguard the freedoms of all citizens, irrespective of their cultural affiliations. Addressing foreign interference through robust policies becomes imperative to prevent the harassment and restriction of new Australians.

While acknowledging the commonplace nature of espionage among nations, Stoltz delineates the line between acceptable and problematic conduct. While openly declared intelligence officials collaborating with host nations is standard practice, clandestine deployments pose significant challenges to diplomatic relations. Stoltz elucidates that espionage encompasses various activities, ranging from innocuous information gathering to more covert operations targeting diverse sectors of society.

In navigating the complexities of international relations and safeguarding national security, Australia faces the imperative of balancing vigilance against foreign interference with the preservation of individual liberties and societal inclusivity.

The realm of espionage is fraught with intricate maneuvers, where a spy may opt to disclose their identity, enticing individuals with financial incentives, foreign excursions, or other inducements to procure sensitive information. However, this seemingly benign exchange can swiftly evolve into coercive tactics, including threats and blackmail, as relationships deepen and stakes escalate.

William Stoltz elucidates the spectrum of these interactions, noting their initially unintrusive nature before potentially morphing into more targeted endeavors. This evolution underscores the nuanced dynamics inherent in intelligence gathering and underscores the gravity of its implications.

Anna Henderson, SBS's chief political correspondent, contributes valuable insights to this discourse, offering a comprehensive perspective on the multifaceted dimensions of espionage and its repercussions on international affairs. Through meticulous reporting and analysis, Henderson enhances our understanding of the complexities surrounding covert operations and their far-reaching ramifications.

The realm of espionage is fraught with intricate maneuvers, where a spy may opt to disclose their identity, enticing individuals with financial incentives, foreign excursions, or other inducements to procure sensitive information. However, this seemingly benign exchange can swiftly evolve into coercive tactics, including threats and blackmail, as relationships deepen and stakes escalate.

William Stoltz elucidates the spectrum of these interactions, noting their initially unintrusive nature before potentially morphing into more targeted endeavors. This evolution underscores the nuanced dynamics inherent in intelligence gathering and underscores the gravity of its implications.

Anna Henderson, SBS's chief political correspondent, contributes valuable insights to this discourse, offering a comprehensive perspective on the multifaceted dimensions of espionage and its repercussions on international affairs. Through meticulous reporting and analysis, Henderson enhances our understanding of the complexities surrounding covert operations and their far-reaching ramifications.