Rudd promises Indian students safe stay in Australia

Allaying India's concerns over racist attacks on Indian students down under, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today said his government is committed to taking every 'physically possible' step to ensure that all international students in his country remain safe. | Listen to Podcast

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Thursday said his government is committed to taking every "physically possible" step to ensure that all international students in his country remain safe.

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"The Australian government is committed to do all that is physically possible to ensure that all international students in Australia have safe and rewarding experience," he said at a luncheon meeting hosted by industry chambers CII, FICCI and Assocham here.

Rudd said Indian students represent the future of India-Australia business ties and they are "welcome guests in our country...We have an obligation to extend the hand of friendship and support to all Indian students".

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson had said on Wednesday that "Safety and security of Indian students and people of Indian origin is of highest importance... unfortunately attacks have recurred in the last week or so."

Indian students have been the target of racial attacks in Australia. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister SM Krishna have already taken up the issue with Australia.