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National

Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese speak about temple vandalism during bilateral talks in Sydney

Narendra Modi says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has assured him there will be "strict action" against Sikh separatist groups in Australia, which have been agitating for an independent state in India.

Mr Modi, the Indian prime minister, and his Australian counterpart have met for bilateral talks in Sydney.

In recent months, some Hindu temples in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney were vandalised with pro-Sikh separatist slogans.

It's not yet clear who was responsible for the vandalism.

Pro-Khalistan groups in Australia have also held several non-binding "referenda" on establishing an independent state in India, leading to violent clashes in Melbourne between their supporters, and Indian nationalists who back Mr Modi's party.

Mr Modi has been in Sydney this week, meeting members of the diaspora, as well as local celebrities and government officials. He leaves tonight.

The Indian and Australian prime ministers had talks at Admiralty House in Sydney. (AAP: Saeed Khan)

In translated comments after Wednesday's meeting, Mr Modi said he had been assured Australia would not tolerate the vandalism.

"Prime Minister Albanese and I have in the past discussed the issue of temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements. We discussed also again today," Mr Modi said.

"We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between India and Australia by their actions or thoughts - I thank the prime minister for the actions that have already been taken.

"Prime Minister Albanese has once again assured me today that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future."

Tensions escalating 

The tensions in Australia are linked to US-based group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which wants the Punjab region in India's north-west to secede from the rest of the country, and form an independent nation called Khalistan. 

SJF was banned by the Indian government in 2019, and has since taken hold in parts of the Sikh diaspora across several Western countries including Australia, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

It's not clear what "actions already taken" Mr Modi was referring to, but earlier this month Blacktown City Council cancelled a booking to host a pro-Khalistan "referendum" at a sports venue, saying the event could pose a safety risk.

That decision angered pro-Khalistan groups, although the council insisted the decision was not a political one, and shouldn't be interpreted as a statement of support for either side of the debate.

The Australian Sikh Association has condemned the attacks on Hindu temples, and called for peace between the two religions.

Mr Modi urged his counterpart to protect Hindu temples during Mr Albanese's visit to India in March, adding it was "a matter of deep regret" he had received reports of anti-Hindu sentiment in Australia.

Australian officials meet their Indian counterparts at Admiralty House.  (AAP: Dean Lewins)

In Sydney on Wednesday, the leaders signed an agreement to promote mobility of students and businesses between the two countries.

The labour-mobility agreement will encourage the movement of students, graduates and professionals between the countries, and offer greater recognition of qualifications obtained in each nation.

Mr Modi said his sixth meeting with Mr Albanese in a year showed the growing strength of the countries' ties.

The pair also signed an agreement to work together on green hydrogen technology.

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