India deeply concerned over safety of its students in Oz

New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) Deeply concerned over attacks on
Indian students in Australia, Union External Affairs Minister
S M Krishna on Tuesday asked Canberra to address their
legitimate concerns in a "sensitive manner".

Krishna noted that the relationship between both the
countries was growing strongly but New Delhi has "deep
concerns" about the safety and security of Indian students in
Australia.

"...the relationship is growing strongly all around and
areas where there are concerns, such as students' issue, need
to be dealt with, in a sensitive manner, while we make efforts
to strengthen ties in a comprehensive manner," he said in a
statement after his five-day visit to Australia.

The Minister noted that the Indian community, through its
culture and values, is contributing in making Australia the
vibrant multi-cultural society.

During his meetings with Australian leadership, Krishna
said he impressed upon Canberra that "measures need to be put
in place to address their legitimate grievances so that our
students get a good quality educational experience."

He also said both the countries hope to take their
relationship to the level of a strategic partnership and that
they were looking at the possibility of discussing a Free
Trade Agreement to "further boost our ties".

Krishna said New Delhi is expecting Australian Prime
Minister Kevin Rudd to visit India later this year.

He said New Delhi was committed to further strengthening
and expanding bilateral relations to cover "virtually every
area of interaction".

India and Australia feel that there is "significant"
scope for expanding bilateral trade as well as cooperation in
Science and Technology, Information and Communication
Technology, Energy, Education, Tourism and Agro-industry. PTI
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