Australian authorities took action in 2020 against two Indian intelligence operatives suspected of engaging in espionage activities aimed at acquiring sensitive information on defense technology, airport security, and trade relations, according to media reports.
These revelations shed light on the clandestine operations of India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), prompting scrutiny of Australia’s growing relationship with India, particularly within the Quad security alliance, the reports say.
The expulsion of the two RAW officers came to light as part of an extensive investigation into foreign interference efforts by Indian intelligence, as reported by The Washington Post.
In 2021, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess disclosed the discovery of a clandestine network of foreign spies. Their activities involved cultivating politicians and a foreign embassy to gather intelligence, yet Burgess refrained from naming the country responsible, The Age said.
According to Burgess, the spies targeted politicians, a foreign embassy, and a state police service, while also attempting to gather classified information on Australia’s trade relationships and security protocols at a major airport. They even succeeded in recruiting an Australian government security clearance holder with access to sensitive defense technology details. ASIO confronted and quietly expelled the operatives from the country, also revoking the security clearance of the compromised individual.
Burgess noted that the nation behind the espionage was from outside Australia’s immediate region, declining to name the country to avoid unnecessary distractions. Speculation arose, with some media reports suggesting a link to Russia. Subsequent assessments by Burgess in 2023 identified a separate group of foreign operatives, later confirmed to be Russian, according to The Age report.
According to the report, David Shoebridge, the Greens’ home affairs spokesman, stressed the importance of Australia addressing India’s actions, arguing that they run counter to the conduct expected from an ally. He raised concerns about the delayed disclosure of the incident, implying it signifies a level of deference and caution in Australia’s interactions with India.
An ASIO spokesperson maintained the agency’s policy of not commenting on intelligence matters, while the Indian High Commission in Canberra did not responded to The Age’s request for comment.
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