Security of Indians abroad top priority of govt: PM

New Delhi, Jan 8 (PTI) Against the backdrop of attacks
on Indians in Australia, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
Friday said the security of Indian students and workers abroad
is a top priority of the government.
"The security of our overseas workers and students is a
top priority of my government," he said while inaugurating the
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (the day of Indian diaspora)
celebrations here.
He did not elaborate on the issue of the attacks but the
comment assumes significance as it came against the backdrop
of unabated assaults on Indians in Australia, with the latest
leading to death of 21-year-old Nitin Garg.
India has been concerned over the repeated attacks,
suspectedly racist in nature, and has been pressing Australia
to take urgent action to secure its citizens studying or
working there.
In a strong statement Thursday, the Indian External
Affairs Ministry said Australian government must "take
remedial measures to ensure there are no further incidents of
this nature".
The ministry said ".....It is a matter of concern that
in spite of serious and concerted efforts by the Australian
government to deal with this issue to address our concerns,
these attacks are continuing, and have even resulted in
fatalities".
India has also issued a travel advisory asking those
intending to go to Australia for studies or anything else to
take precautions. PTI