Friendly nations don't spy on each other: Khurshid

Image
IANS New Delhi
Last Updated : Nov 18 2013 | 11:16 PM IST

Amid a diplomatic fracas between Australia and Indonesia over spying allegations, India Monday said spying in on cell phone conversations was not something that happens between friendly nations that trust each other.

If such issues arise, they could be sorted out, he said.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recalled his ambassador from Australia Monday and ordered a review of bilateral cooperation following reports that an Australian security agency attempted to listen to his cell phone in 2009.

India and Australia share a positive relationship and could solve anything that came up, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said on being asked if India was concerned over the allegations and if he was worried that Australia could be spying on India.

"We are looking at a positive relationship... that (spying) is not something that happens between friendly nations that trust each other.

"We have a working wholesome working relationship... sometimes issues arise between nations, sometimes are blown out of proportion and sometimes based on individuals.

"It is for nations to solve such issues bilaterally. We work together for a better destiny and future, and should be able to address anything that arises between Australia and India," he said.

Asked about the spying allegations, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop declined to say anything.

"We value our relationship with Indonesia and will see that the relationship continues to flourish," she said.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 18 2013 | 11:08 PM IST

Next Story