‘Chill out’: PM chides reporter over Modi relationship

“Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty,” he said.

Asked about the issue, and whether he regretted introducing Mr Modi as “The Boss” at a giant rally with the Indian community in western Sydney earlier this year, Mr Albanese took umbrage.

“Seriously, you should chill out a bit,” he said.

“You know, we were at a venue where Bruce Springsteen played the last time I was there. And I made the point that the reception he got from the community…welcomed him very strongly,” he said.

“It’s as simple as that. So, I welcomed Prime Minister Modi to Australia, as I welcome other guests to Australia as well.

“I have had the privilege of being at the G20. And at the G20, hosted by India, that was a major event, which signalled in part, the rise of countries in our region is very important, whether it be India, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, these are all important relationships.”

As to the specific allegation, Mr Albanese said he did not discuss intelligence issues publicly.

Mr Albanese was last forced to defend his embrace of Mr Modi in March after India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was convicted of “criminal defamation”.

Mr Albanese stressed the burgeoning relationship with India was one “between two nations”.

“Our relationship with India is a relationship between two nations. And it is a strong relationship.”