India responds to anti-immigrant protests in Australia, says diaspora welfare remains priority

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation after anti-immigrant protests were held across several Australian cities on 31 August. The demonstrations, organised under the banner of “March for Australia,” opposed the rise in Indian migration.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian missions in Australia were in regular touch with both the Australian government and members of the Indian community before and during the protests. “We are all aware that anti-immigrant protests happened in many cities across Australia on 31 August. Our High Commissions and Consulate Generals were in regular touch with the Australian government, as also with our community members in this regard,” he stated.

Jaiswal added that concerns raised by the Indian diaspora were formally shared with Canberra. “Before the protests took place, our High Commission shared the concerns of the Indian diaspora with the Australian government. We received a formal response from the Australian side, where they acknowledged that the protest in Australia may be of concern for Australia’s diverse communities,” he said.

According to him, Australian leaders across party lines expressed support for multiculturalism and acknowledged the role of Indian Australians in the country’s growth. “Senior leaders and politicians both from the Australian government side and also from the opposition side, have issued statements supporting the multicultural identity of Australia. They’ve also recognised the role played by the Indian Australian community in the overall progress and development of Australia, and they appreciate and acknowledge this role very much,” Jaiswal said.

He underlined India’s position on diversity and partnership. “On our side, we continue to firmly believe that diversity is strength. We value a comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia, of which our people-to-people ties are a very important element, and in fact, they bolster our strategic ties. The Government of India remains committed to securing the welfare and well-being of all Indians abroad, and we are in touch with the Australian Government, as also with the diaspora organisation in Australia,” he added.

The Australian government has strongly criticised the rallies, describing them as far-right activism rooted in racism. In a joint statement, ministers said multiculturalism was central to the country’s identity and stressed that all Australians had the right to feel safe.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said, “There is no place in our country for people who seek to divide and undermine our social cohesion. Nothing could be less Australian.” Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Aly noted, “This brand of far-right activism grounded in racism and ethnocentrism has no place in modern Australia.”

Environment Minister Murray Watt said the rallies were promoted by neo-Nazi groups and aimed at spreading hate rather than unity.

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