India , Austraila

India's espionage operation in Australia, uncovered in 2020, resulted in the expulsion of officials by the Morrison government. The covert network targeted sensitive defense projects, airport security protocols, and trade relations, raising concerns among Western allies.

An espionage operation conducted by Indian intelligence operatives within Australia has come to light, resulting in the expulsion of several officials by the Morrison government. The covert operation, termed a "nest of spies" by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), was uncovered in 2020 but had been hinted at earlier by ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess during his 2021 annual threat assessment.

According to reports, the operatives were allegedly involved in monitoring the Indian community in Australia, cultivating relationships with current and former politicians, and attempting to access classified information related to sensitive defense projects, airport security protocols, and Australia’s trade relations. 

Director-General Burgess, in his address at ASIO’s Canberra headquarters, revealed that the espionage network had developed targeted relationships with individuals across various sectors, including current and former politicians, a foreign embassy, and a state police service. Additionally, efforts were made to gather classified information on Australia's trade relations, and attempts were made to solicit sensitive information on security protocols at a major airport. 

Of significant concern is the successful recruitment of an Australian government security clearance holder with access to sensitive defense technology information, highlighting the potential risks associated with foreign espionage activities.

Confirmation of India’s involvement in the espionage operation came from government sources, with reports indicating the expulsion of "a number" of Indian officials from Australia in 2020. The Washington Post also corroborated these claims, stating that two members of India’s Research and Analysis (RAW) were removed from the country following an ASIO counter-intelligence operation.

These revelations come at a time when concerns are mounting among Western allies regarding the actions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Allegations of involvement in an assassination plot in Canada last September have further fueled apprehensions about India's activities on the international stage.

Despite attempts to seek clarification from the Indian High Commission and ASIO, responses to queries about the espionage operation remain elusive.

India, as a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue alongside the United States, Japan, and Australia, holds strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly amidst escalating tensions concerning China’s military activities. However, these recent developments underscore the complexities of maintaining trust and cooperation among allies in the face of covert actions that undermine national security interests.

Director-General Burgess had previously warned about the threat of espionage from multiple countries, emphasizing that such threats extend beyond traditional adversaries. The exposure of India's espionage operation in Australia serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by foreign intelligence activities and the imperative for robust countermeasures to safeguard national interests and security.