New Delhi, September 5 (HS): India has expressed concern over the recent wave of anti-immigrant protests across several Australian cities that reportedly targeted Indian-origin residents. Responding to queries during the weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Indian High Commission and Consulates in Australia have remained in close contact with both the Australian authorities and the Indian community since the demonstrations took place on August 31.

The Australian government, while acknowledging India's concerns, has admitted that such protests pose a challenge to the country’s multicultural fabric. Senior leaders from the government as well as the opposition in Australia issued statements reaffirming their commitment to multiculturalism and lauding the contributions of the Indian diaspora to Australia’s growth and development.

Spokesperson Jaiswal underlined that India views diversity as a strength and values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia, in which people-to-people ties form a critical foundation. He reiterated that the Government of India remains fully committed to the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and is in ongoing communication with both Australian authorities and diaspora organizations to ensure their security.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar