Safety of Indians Australia's prime responsibility: India

NEW DELHI: In a strong message, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi on Monday asked Australia to take "all possible steps" to contain assaults on Indians there, 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.

"Australia needs to take all possible steps to ensure security of our citizens. They need to convince not only the government but also the people of the country about steps taken to ensure safety of our citizens," Ravi said.

Expressing serious concern about the recent attacks, including killing of 21-year-old student Nitin Garg a week ago, Ravi said "for India, every life of its citizen is precious".

"We need preventive steps. Why cannot they identify the anti-social elements responsible for the assaults and arrest them. Police know these elements," he said.

"We want them to take certain strong action. I am not saying they are not taking action. But they need to take strong action," Ravi added.

Wondering why the Australian government has not been able to contain the attacks, the Minister said "it is their primary obligation to ensure safety of the foreigners. We take all the care to protect foreign nationals here".

"This is not the first time these incidents are taking place. These attacks are taking place for the last one year. What they are doing to contain them," he asked.

Ravi said some of the attacks have had "racial overtones", adding, the government was putting pressure on Australia to ensure safety of Indians.

"In spite of all the assurances by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his ministerial colleagues, attacks are taking place. We are really concerned," he added.