New Delhi: Australian media outlets have ignited a potential diplomatic rift with India, alleging the expulsion of Indian spies in 2020. The reports, published on Tuesday, claim the spies were caught attempting to steal classified information.Details vary across media sourcesWhile publications like The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald report the expulsion of two Indian spies, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) avoids specifying a number. Additionally, no official statement has been issued by Indian authorities in response to these accusations.ABC report details alleged activitiesAccording to the ABC report, the expelled individuals were accused of acquiring sensitive data on Australian defense projects, airport security measures, and trade relations. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) reportedly identified these alleged spies in 2020.Wider net of accusationsThe reports further claim the suspects engaged in monitoring activities targeting Indian residents within Australia and attempted to establish connections with current and former Australian politicians.Tensions escalate with Washington Post reportThese accusations come amidst heightened tensions following a Washington Post article alleging an Indian officers involvement in a plot to assassinate Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannu. India has vehemently denied the validity of the Washington Post report.Intrigue surrounds 2020 expulsionThe ABC report adds another layer of intrigue, revealing that ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess publicly mentioned a spy ring in 2021s annual threat assessment but refrained from identifying the involved nation.
