Singh, Rudd to discuss attacks on Indian students in Australia

New Delhi: As Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd landed in India yesterday, the country conveyed its concerns over recent attacks on Indian students in Australia and stressed the need for Canberra to take "effective steps" to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Rudd will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today on a range of bilateral and global issues, including the global financial crisis, climate change, energy, terrorism, maritime security, trade and investment.

The attack on Indian students will figure prominently in the discussions. Rudd is expected to allay Indian concerns in a speech at the Indian Council for World Affairs here on India-Australia relations.

"India attaches highest importance to the safety and security of students of Indian origin in Australia. It's a matter of concern," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters here.

"We have conveyed our concerns at the highest level. Unfortunately, the attacks have recurred in the last week," he said. "It's important that the means are effective to ensure the security and safety of Indian students."

"The Australian side has assured us that they follow a policy of zero tolerance towards such incidents," he said. There have been over 30 attacks on Indians in Australia since May this year.