00:00In diplomacy, they say, more often than not, things go south merely based on the face value of a particular incident.
00:07The 2020 spy incident involving alleged Indian intelligence officers attempting to access sensitive information in Australia is one such case.
00:17It has the potential to strain the bilateral relationship between India and Australia and may also have implications for India's ties with the United States.
00:26This incident highlights the complex nature of international relations and the delicate balance that must be maintained when it comes to espionage and intelligence gathering.
00:36On one hand, the incident raises concerns about India's intelligence activities in a friendly nation like Australia.
00:44The allegations that Indian officers targeted Australian politicians monitored the Indian diaspora
00:50and sought access to sensitive defense technology and airport security protocols paint a picture of overreach and potential violation of diplomatic norms.
01:01Such actions, if proven true, could erode trust between the two nations and lead to a cooling of bilateral ties.
01:09Australia's decision to expel the alleged Indian intelligence officers and place India in the same category as Russia and China,
01:17known for their aggressive intelligence activities, further highlights the seriousness of the situation.
01:23It suggests that Australia views India's actions as a significant breach of trust and a potential threat to its national security.
01:32However, it is important to note that both India and Australia have remained relatively tight-lipped about the incident,
01:39with Australian officials refusing to confirm the expulsions publicly.
01:44This measured response could indicate a desire on both sides to manage the fallout and prevent the incident from escalating into a full-blown diplomatic crisis.
01:55The potential impact of India's relationship with the United States is another factor to consider.
02:01As a strategic partner and fellow democracy, the United States may view any aggressive intelligence activities by India with concern.
02:10The United States has its own strict laws and policies regarding the foreign intelligence activities on its soil,
02:17and any indication that India is engaging in such a behavior could strain the trust and cooperation between the two nations.
02:26Now, here comes the turning point.
02:28The arrest and extradition of Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national to the United States,
02:33in connection with the alleged assassination plot targeting Gurpatwan Singh Pannu, a Sikh separatist,
02:40adds another layer of complexity to India's diplomatic challenges.
02:45According to reports, Gupta, along with four others, was arrested in the US for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy
02:52to murder Pannu, who is based in New York and is the legal advisor to the Sikhs for Justice, also known as the SFJ group.
03:01The SFJ has been at the forefront of Khalistan's separatist movement, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh state in India's Punjab region.
03:11Now, here's the counter view to it.
03:13It is also worth noting that intelligence activities are not uncommon among nations.
03:19Even allies are often seen as a necessary part of protecting national interests.
03:24The key is to ensure that such activities are carried out within acceptable boundaries and do not undermine the overall relationship.
03:34To mitigate the potential risks to its ties with Australia and the United States,
03:39India may need to reassess the intelligence practices and ensure that they align with international norms and expectations.
03:47Open communication and dialogue with its partners can help rebuild trust and prevent misunderstandings.
03:55While the 2020 spy incident has the potential to cast a long shadow on India's relationships with Australia and the United States,
04:04the ultimate impact will depend on how the countries involved choose to handle the situation.
04:11By addressing concerns, maintaining open lines of communication and reaffirming their commitment to shared values and interests,
04:18India, Australia and the United States, the Quad partners can work to minimize the fallout and preserve their important strategic partnerships.
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