Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded to a reporter’s inquiry about his recent reference to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “the boss” by urging the journalist to “chill out.” The exchange occurred in the midst of allegations by Canada regarding potential links between the Indian government and the murder of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
During a media interaction, Albanese was asked if he regretted calling Prime Minister Modi “the boss” while addressing a community event in Sydney during Modi’s visit to Australia in May. In response, Albanese dismissed the question, saying, “Seriously, you should chill out a bit… You know, we are at a venue where Bruce Springsteen played the last time. I was there and I made the point that the reception he got from the community, which was a very broad-based community … from the Indian diaspora, welcomed him very strongly. It’s as simple as that.”
Albanese further clarified, “So, I welcomed Prime Minister Modi to Australia, as I welcome other guests to Australia as well.” The Australian PM’s reference to Modi as “the boss” had garnered attention during the Indian leader’s visit, as he remarked, “Prime Minister Modi is the boss,” amid enthusiastic cheers and slogans from the crowd.
The controversy surrounding the remark comes in the wake of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s assertion that there are “credible allegations of a potential link” between agents of the Indian government and the murder of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who died outside a temple in British Columbia in June.
Trudeau stated, “Canada has declared its deep concerns to the top intelligence and security officials of the Indian government… In no uncertain terms, any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty.”
In response to Trudeau’s allegations, Australia expressed its concern, with a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Penny Wong stating that Australia is “deeply disturbed” by the allegations and is closely following developments. Australia has also conveyed its concerns to India at senior levels.
As tensions mount between Canada and India over the issue, Albanese’s comments reflect Australia’s ongoing diplomatic engagement with both nations and the complexities surrounding international relations in the context of sensitive matters.
Sources By Agencies
