Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has strongly rejected separatist movements and called for greater cooperation between Australia and India while addressing concerns over Khalistani extremism and anti-India activities in Australia.
In an interview with ANI, Abbott stated,
“There is no future for any separatism.
People who might be unhappy with the status quo should work within the system rather than engage in divisive and potentially violent activities against the modern democratic and pluralist India.”
Abbott emphasised the need for stronger Indo-Pacific partnerships, particularly in response to growing geopolitical tensions in the region. He reiterated that democracies must unite to uphold the rule of law and resist coercion and intimidation tactics, indirectly referring to China’s growing influence.
“I really want those ties between India and Australia to develop further,” Abbott stated.
“As long as China remains a Communist dictatorship, tensions will persist. It is important for all Indo-Pacific democracies to stand together—not against anyone, but in favour of the rule of law, peaceful co-existence, and against coercion and bullying.”
Abbott, a long-time advocate of the Quad partnership, credited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for shaping the strategic alliance between India, Australia, the US, and Japan. He described India as the ‘heart of the Quad’, highlighting its role in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“If it develops as it should, the Quad will be the most significant geopolitical development since NATO.
It is not against anyone but stands for democracy, the rule of law, and the rights of all nations to exist in peace without being bullied by aggressive neighbours,”
Abbott explained.
He compared the Quad’s potential to the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which has been one of the most critical security partnerships for over seven decades. Abbott urged Quad leaders to respect, contribute to, and develop the alliance into a significant force for peace and development in the coming decades.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, India’s flagship global conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, Abbott praised India’s diplomatic influence and strategic leadership.
“This forum is a wonderful showcase for Indian soft power,” he said.
“It attracts some of the most significant leaders and thinkers from around the world, and I am here to listen, learn, and contribute where possible.”
Abbott did not shy away from taking a strong stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a “vicious imperialist war” and emphasising that any peace deal must guarantee long-term security for Ukraine.
“Russia is the aggressor in Ukraine. The war must end on a just basis. If Ukrainians are expected to trade territory, it has to be for real security, guaranteed by serious troops from serious countries,”
While acknowledging India’s historical ties with Russia, Abbott expressed hope that New Delhi would eventually align with global democratic efforts to counter Moscow’s aggression.
Abbott has been a vocal supporter of stronger Australia-India ties, calling India one of Australia’s most crucial partners in trade, defence, and strategic cooperation. He has repeatedly advocated for deeper economic and security collaboration between the two nations, particularly amid global geopolitical uncertainties.
His comments come at a time when Australia is closely monitoring Khalistani extremism, which has led to concerns about escalating tensions within Indian diaspora communities in the country.
Abbott’s stance reinforces Australia’s commitment to India as a key ally in the Indo-Pacific and signals that the fight against separatism and extremism must be a joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the region.
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