Representational image // Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on UnsplashThe past week has seen a painful pattern emerge across Australia. In Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, a series of targeted graffiti attacks defaced a Hindu temple and a wellness centre. Red spray-painted slogans like “go home” appeared overnight on the walls of the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple and nearby businesses. Victoria Police are treating these as hate-motivated incidents.
The Coalition’s shadow ministers Andrew Hastie and Paul Scarr issued a joint statement on Thursday condemning the attacks, stating: “There is no place for bigotry and violence in Australia.” They added that those responsible “will be held accountable.”
But it isn’t just about accountability. It’s about how deep the fear runs.
“Racism was always here in Australia,” said another Indian IT professional based in Melbourne, speaking on condition of anonymity. “There is a rise in Indian immigrants, so the events are coming out more.”
Dr Abhishek Joshi, a healthcare professional and Indian-Australian, offered a broader perspective. “As a proud Indian-Australian, I feel both honoured to call this beautiful country home and deeply concerned by the noticeable rise in racially motivated incidents targeting members of the Indian community, not just here in Australia but across several parts of the world,” he said.
“This disturbing trend reflects deeper anxieties in a world grappling with rapid change, global uncertainty, and social division. Migrant communities often become the easy target of fear, misinformation, and misplaced blame.”
He added, “Racism, whether subtle or overt, has no place in a modern, multicultural society like Australia. It diminishes the spirit of mateship that this country is built on.”
Earlier this week, South Australia Police confirmed the arrest of a suspect in relation to the alleged assault of Charanpreet Singh, a 22-year-old Indian student in Adelaide. Singh was reportedly attacked by five men and taken to hospital with facial injuries. Witnesses claimed racial slurs were used during the assault. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas condemned the incident publicly, reinforcing the state’s stance against racism and hate-driven violence.
Nitin Gupta, a former ministerial advisor, described the attack as deeply troubling. “It’s pretty sad what happened with the young Mr Singh in Adelaide. This alleged racist attack may possibly leave a long-term impact on the victim, including his future employment prospects. I’m hoping for a strong punishment by the court.”
He added that Victoria Police had previously dealt with a wave of attacks on Indian students more proactively. “The SA police should possibly take some lessons from the approach Victoria took a few years back.”
There is growing unease in the diaspora, amplified by global events. Since Donald Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year, Indian and other non-white communities around the world have noted a rise in online abuse, amplified by conspiracy theories and divisive rhetoric.
Ash Aashish, Director of Yimiri, a not-for-profit organisation, said the atmosphere had changed in subtle ways. “There’s a combination of envy, tall poppy syndrome and bullying. Indians are proving hard-working, smart and resilient. They focus on home ownership, wealth creation and education. They’re law-abiding and bend backwards to assimilate.”
“But sadly, the world only respects strength and picks on the meek. Indians are easy targets for theft and violence. Many of us prefer to avoid police and legal issues, not knowing our rights or access to legal aid. This means cases of bullying and racism go unreported.”
He added, “The media seldom reports or follows up on Indian and Hindu community issues. We’re not seen as underdogs or persecuted. There’s a definite left-wing bias against us.”
To complicate matters further, Australia is experiencing one of the largest demographic shifts in its recent history, with Indian migration numbers steadily growing. That growth, some argue, may be contributing to resentment in parts of society still grappling with cultural change.
Aashish believes stronger advocacy is needed. “The situation can be somewhat ameliorated through more active advocacy by the Indian government. It should vociferously link trade, defence and mutual support in international forums to treatment of its diaspora in foreign lands.”
As investigations continue into the Melbourne graffiti incidents, the broader question lingers: are these episodes a spike in hate, or just the surfacing of what’s long been simmering below? Either way, Indian-Australians are watching closely and speaking out.
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