Global backlash mounts as Indian Embassy passport issuance to Sydney attack suspect comes to light

India is facing international criticism following revelations that the Indian Embassy issued a passport to Sajid Akram, an Indian-origin individual involved in the Sydney attack.

According to information, the Indian Embassy issued Sajid Akram a 10-year passport on February 24, 2022. The passport was also reportedly issued to his son.

Sources claim that Indian authorities were aware of the suspect’s Indian citizenship from the outset but allegedly withheld this information, allowing sections of the Indian media time to level accusations against Pakistan.

Further developments have added to the controversy after reports emerged that Sajid Akram had recently travelled to the Philippines using an Indian passport.

Separately, a report by the British newspaper The Guardian stated that Australia had deported two officials of India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), in 2020.

According to the report, the action was taken against what Australian intelligence described as a “nexus of spies.” The expelled officials were also allegedly involved in profiling members of the Indian community living in Australia.

Experts say the individuals involved in the Sydney incident may have links to RAW, though no official confirmation has been issued by Australian authorities in this regard.