The investigation began after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected 10 boxes of structural supports shipped from China, discovering a concealed white powdered substance.

Bainimarama was jailed in May alongside former police chief Sitiveni Qiliho after being convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice in a police investigation linked to the University of the South Pacific.

"Thank you, you have added so much to this country" said NSW Premier Chris Minns about the Indian Hindu community as iconic Opera House was lit for Diwali.

RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump commented on the tensions, saying it would be “hard” for someone who had “said such nasty things” to represent Australia.

Dr Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressing appreciation for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

"Australia’s vibrant Indian community continues to be a bridge between our nations, strengthening the special relationship we share.”

Images shared by media outlets show the vehicle taped off by police, with a handbag reportedly visible on top of the car.

The PPSG, established at the Pacific Islands Forum in August, serves as a rapid-deployment police force to bolster security across the Pacific during major events and crises.

The initiative will produce policy-focused publications and culminate in a "1.5 Track Dialogue" in Perth in 2025.

Addressing the issue, Dr Jaishankar noted that India has raised the matter with Australia, marking it as a shared point of security dialogue.