Australia assures Krishna of protecting Indian students

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today received assurances at the highest levels in the Australian government that every Indian student in this country would be protected.

“I am convinced of the assurances provided by the Australian side,” he told a press conference after discussions with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his counterpart Stephen Smith on the sidelines of the Pacific Island Forum in this northern Australian city.

Krishna, who is on a five-day visit to Australia, said he has come here to get the assurances at the highest levels so that every Indian student’s welfare is protected by the government of Australia.

 

“I am glad to say Prime Minister Rudd and Foreign Minister Smith have both assured me that the process is well under way to look into all the issues and put measures into place to resolve them,” said the minister, the first senior leader to visit Australia to convey India’s concerns on the student issue.

At least 22 Indian students have been attacked in this country in the past three months, which has threatened Australia’s $13-billion international education industry. Australia is home to over 95,000 Indian students.

“The relationship between the two sides had matured and such small irritants which have taken place in the last three months will not upset it,” Krishna said.