'Indians far more safer in Oz than in their own country'

MELBOURNE: A top Australian police officer on Monday said Indians were far more safer here than in their own country, even as New Delhi asked Canberra to take "all possible steps" to contain assaults on the community.

Simon Overland, Victoria's Police Chief Commissioner, said Indians were far more safer in Australia than in their own country.

"Look at the data. Indians are safer in this country than they are in their own country," Overland told a group of reporters.

His comments came as the 21-year old Indian migrant Nitin Garg, who was stabbed here last week, was cremated in his home town near Ludhiana.

In a strong message, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi today asked Australia to take "all possible steps" to contain assaults on Indians, saying it was their "primary responsibility".

Ravi said Australia will have to convince the Indian government and the people of this country about steps taken to protect Indian citizens.

Meanwhile, acting Foreign Minister Simon Crean also said he does not believe that racism is on the rise in Australia.

Crean said Australia is a tolerant and anti-racist society, but there is no guarantee everyone subscribes to those values.