During his official visit to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with the Indian community at a large gathering in Melbourne. While celebrating the strengthening bond between India and Australia, he specifically focused on the global challenge of terrorism. During his address, he remarked on India’s assertive actions against terror camps, stating that when such operations occur, the reverberations are heard around the entire world. Delivering this message on Australian soil was a deliberate and calculated diplomatic move by the Prime Minister.
Shared Struggle Against Terrorism
PM Modi’s open statement was intended to send a clear signal that Australia is one of India's most trusted friends and a key partner in the global fight against terror. Both nations have endured the pain caused by terrorism, and because of this shared history, Australia has consistently stood in the front line of countries supporting India following major provocations, such as the attack in Pahalgam.
The Strategic Partnership
Australia is a nation that has confronted various terrorist conspiracies and attacks, several of which have been traced back to Pakistani origins or Pakistan-supported networks. The Prime Minister's remarks were made in the context of these past events, acknowledging that Australia, like India, has faced the consequences of Pakistan-linked terrorism. Furthermore, both countries are members of the Quad, underscoring that their alliance goes beyond just economics to include deep security cooperation. Australia is particularly concerned about the increasing influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region and the constant threat posed by Pakistan-backed militant groups.
Terrorism and Pakistan Links in Australia
Australia hosts a significant population of Pakistani origin, and unfortunately, several incidents have exposed links to extremist networks based in Pakistan. Notable examples include the 2017 Sydney plane bomb plot, where two suspects of Pakistani origin, acting on instructions from ISIS, planned to blow up an Etihad flight. More recently, the 2025 Bondi Beach attack, which involved a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration, saw the assailant, Naveed Akram, identified as having Pakistani roots. The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) confirmed his connection to an ISIS network. Australian intelligence agencies have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the reach of organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
India’s Proactive Security Policy
By highlighting India's proactive policy on Australian soil, PM Modi sent a strong message that India is not alone in its fight against terrorism. This message also targets China, which continues to strengthen its strategic ties with Pakistan. The Melbourne address serves as a public declaration that India’s 'Zero Tolerance to Terror' policy remains a core pillar of its international stance, with supportive nations like Australia standing firmly alongside it in this critical battle.
