India Conveys Concerns to Australia
The Government of India has formally conveyed its concerns to Australian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Small Business, and International Development, Anne Aly, regarding recent anti-immigration rallies in Australia that specifically targeted the Indian community. The issue was raised during Minister Aly's two-day visit to New Delhi around October 16, 2025, where she engaged with senior political figures and multi-faith leaders to strengthen bilateral ties.
Anti-Immigration Rallies Target Indian Community
The concerns stem from a series of anti-immigration protests, notably the 'March for Australia' campaign, which took place across multiple Australian cities around August 31, 2025. These rallies, held in locations including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, and Hobart, explicitly targeted Indian migrants. Organizers of the 'March for Australia' campaign distributed pamphlets and manifestos that singled out Indians, with one stating, 'More Indians in 5 years, than Greeks and Italians in 100.' Reports indicate that some of these events were attended by elements described as neo-Nazis and far-right activists.
Australian Government Condemns Divisive Rhetoric
In response to India's concerns and the nature of the protests, Minister Anne Aly provided strong reassurances to the Indian community and the Indian government. Speaking in New Delhi, Aly stated that the divisive rhetoric expressed at the anti-migration rallies 'is not shared by the overwhelming majority of Australians' and represents a 'minority, extremist sentiment held by a vanishingly small group in our country.' She emphasized that multiculturalism is a 'valued and integral part of national identity' in Australia. Aly, who is of Egyptian descent, highlighted the significant contributions of Indian-Australians, who constitute the country's second-largest migrant community, to Australia's prosperity and multicultural fabric. She affirmed, 'We value you. We thank you. We stand by you. You belong in Australia.' The Australian government had previously condemned these rallies as 'far-right activism based on racism and ethnocentrism,' asserting that such sentiments have 'no place in contemporary Australia.'
Commitment to Social Cohesion
Minister Aly's visit and her statements underscore Australia's commitment to social cohesion and its rejection of racism. She noted that nearly one million people of Indian origin reside in Australia, contributing significantly to the nation's diversity and economy. The Australian government's stance reinforces that all Australians, regardless of their heritage, have the right to feel safe and welcome in their community.
6 Comments
Donatello
The 'vanishingly small group' still managed to target an entire community. Worrying.
Raphael
Neo-Nazis at rallies? This is a serious problem, not just 'minority sentiment'.
Leonardo
It's positive that Australia is committed to social cohesion and rejecting racism, however, the explicit targeting of Indians indicates that some communities are feeling increasingly vulnerable and require stronger protective measures.
Michelangelo
While it's good the Australian government is condemning these rallies, the fact they occurred at all shows there's a deeper issue of xenophobia that needs to be addressed more proactively.
Donatello
This is how a multicultural society responds. Rejecting extremism decisively.
Raphael
While the article shows Australia's commitment to its Indian diaspora, the need for India to formally intervene underscores that the domestic issue of anti-immigrant sentiment has international implications and demands continuous vigilance.