Krishna to meet Indian students in Aus

When External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna reaches Canberra on a five-day visit to Australia on Thursday, two months after a string of attacks on Indian nationals, Indians Down Under will give him a first-hand account of their problems.

When External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna reaches Canberra on a five-day visit to Australia on Thursday, two months after a string of attacks on Indian nationals, Indians Down Under will give him a first-hand account of their problems.

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In 52 days between May 25 and July 15, 83 Indians, mostly students, have been assaulted. This works out to more than one attack every day.

Australia has the largest number of Indian students (about 97,035) next only to the US (1,04,522).

In June, according to government figures, there were at least 10 cases of assault on Indians “which might have a racial element”.

Krishna, who is scheduled to hold bilateral interactions with his Australian counterpart, Stephen Smith and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, would be visiting Sydney and Melbourne to meet Indian students.