Worried about attacks, India summons Australian envoy

NEW DELHI: Worried about safety of Indian students in Melbourne, External Affairs Ministry on Friday summoned Australian High Commissioner John McCarthy here to convey its concerns and ask his government to prevent attacks on them.

McCarthy was called by Secretary (East) in the MEA N Ravi to convey India's concerns, responding to which the Australian envoy said his government is taking steps to stop such incidents.

"We are worried about the safety of Indian citizens, particularly the students," External Affairs Minister S M Krishna told reporters.

He said the Indian government is in constant touch with Australian authorities "with a view to addressing issues concerning the well-being and physical safety of our students."

Krishna's comments and summoning of the Australian envoy came after attacks on Indian students in Melbourne over the last few days. One of the students is battling for life in a hospital in Melbourne after being stabbed by a screwdriver by a group of teens.

"I was asked to come to the Ministry of External Affairs to discuss the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia. Mr Ravi conveyed Indian concerns very clearly and urged that we take steps to ensure that these sorts of incidents do not occur," McCarthy said after his meeting at MEA.