In the world of spycraft, why national interest trumps all

On Tuesday, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that "Indian spies" had been "kicked out of Australia after being caught trying to steal secrets about sensitive defence projects and airport security, as well as classified information on Australia's trade relationships". The Australian and The Sydney Morning Herald said two Indian "spies" were asked to leave. A day earlier, a report in The Washington Post had named a purported R&AW official who allegedly ordered the assassination of Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in the United States last summer. The alleged plot was foiled by US agents. Earlier in April, the UK-based…