'Spies' issue best discussed in private with Delhi: Australia PM

New Delhi: Ahead of the Quad summit this weekend, Australian PM Anthony Albanese appears to have broken ranks with the US and Canada, co-members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, on the issue of Indian "spies" in Australia by pointing out that such matters are raised privately. Responding to media queries during his ongoing US trip on the "nest of Indian spies" in Australia, Albanese said, "Well, what I do is act diplomatically and have those discussions, and that will, no doubt, be something that is raised. But the relationship between Australia and India is a very strong one...What I do is, I raise issues privately - is how we deal with things diplomatically, and I'll continue to do so."

Australia's stance is in variance with the US or Canada where the alleged role of India in targeting their citizens either faces judicial scrutiny or is debated in parliament. The Canadian security service even accused India of interfering in the country's elections.

Interestingly, Australia is a member of Five Eyes along with the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand. The Australian PM's comments are a boost for PM Narendra Modi as he prepares to visit the US for attend the Quad summit where Albanese will also be present. Referring to the other aspects of the India-Australia partnership, Albanese stated, "I'll be talking with Prime Minister Modi about our Comprehensive Economic Partnership, we want to see concluded. We have had increased economic relations between our two great nations."