94 cases of attacks on Indians in Australia

Cases of attacks on Indians in Australia have increased more than five fold this year compared to last year, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said in a written reply that 94 cases of attacks on Indians have been reported so far this year in Australia as against 17 incidents of assault in 2008.

He said India has conveyed its concern over the violence against its citizens to the Australian Government and it has assured that all the necessary measures, including stricter policing, are being taken to check these attacks.

"As a result of a series of discussions with visiting high level Australian delegations and demarches made by Indian Mission there, the Australian Government has taken various steps," he said.

However, the minister informed that the attacks have not totally stopped and reports of some stray incidents of assault continue to be received from Melbourne, which is the epicentre of most of the attacks on Indian students.

As per reports, he said, seven people have been convicted for some of these attacks.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had visited India early this month and had assured the government that Australia was fully committed to ensure safety and security of the Indians living in his country.