Australian Federal Police warns young person over online death threat against Narendra Modi

Australian Federal Police have formally warned a young person after an online death threat was made against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The threat was identified and the person was spoken to on 3 July, according to police. Authorities said there is no current or impending risk to the community following the assessment.

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Mr Modi is due to travel to Melbourne later this week for an official visit. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for their annual leaders' summit and to appear at a community event at Marvel Stadium. Police said the matter was treated seriously and that suspected criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment, would be investigated.

The incident comes as Australia prepares for a high-profile diplomatic engagement with India. Mr Modi has served as prime minister of India for 12 years, and the visit is expected to include both political and community-facing events. The warning issued by police indicates that the threat was dealt with as a security matter before the visit began, rather than as an active public danger.

The timing gives the case added significance because it involves the safety of a visiting head of government. It also comes against the backdrop of a relationship that the Australian prime minister described as increasingly important for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. That makes any threat directed at the visit relevant not only to security planning, but also to the smooth conduct of bilateral diplomacy.

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The Australian Federal Police did not say whether any further action would follow the formal warning. It is also not clear from the information released what form the online threat took or whether any charges are being considered. What remains to be seen is whether the visit proceeds with any additional security measures and whether police provide more detail about the assessment.

For now, the confirmed position is that the source of the threat has been identified, spoken to and warned. Police have said the community is not believed to face an immediate risk. Attention will now turn to Mr Modi's arrival in Melbourne and the planned summit meeting with Mr Albanese.

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