Attacks on temples in Australia 'worrying’: PM Modi to Albanese

The two sides inked four agreements providing for cooperation in areas of sports, Innovation, audio-visual production and solar power

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday raised concerns over recent attacks on temples in Australia as well as pro-Khalistani activities there with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, who assured him that the safety of Indians was a "special priority" for him.

After the first India-Australia summit talks on a range of key issues, Albanese said both sides are looking at firming up the ambitious comprehensive economic cooperation agreement (CECA) by 2023 and that progress has been made on a migration and mobility pact that will benefit students and professionals.

In his media statement, Modi, standing alongside Albanese, described as a "matter of regret" the reports of attacks on temples in Australia over the past few weeks.

"The Indian community is making a significant contribution to the society and economy of Australia. It is a matter of regret that attacks on temples have been regularly reported in Australia over the past few weeks," Modi said.

"It is natural that such news worries the people in India, and disturbs our minds. I have shared these feelings and concerns of ours with Prime Minister Albanese. And he has assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for him. Our teams will be in regular touch on this topic, and will cooperate as much as possible, Modi said.