Friendly nations don’t spy on each other: Khurshid

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.

IANS