Non-redressal of assault issue can cast shadow on bilateral ties: India

New Delhi, Jan 11(PTI) Conveying its "grave concerns",
India today demanded "immediate corrective measures" by
Australia to stop assaults on Indians and said "non-redressal"
of this "vital issue" will cast a "shadow" on bilateral
relations.
This was conveyed by Indian External Affairs Minister
S M Krishna when he received a phone call from his Australian
counterpart Stephen Smith on Monday. Smith had called to
convey his condolences on the tragic death of Indian citizens
in Australia in recent attacks.
Pointing out that the issue had consistently figured
in Parliament, Krishna reiterated the need for immediate
"corrective measures", according to a statement by Foreign
Office here.
Recalling that Australian leaders had time and again,
assured India that they were treating the incidents of
assaults with utmost seriousness, Krishna said, however, the
incidents seem to be continuing.
Krishna emphasized to the Australian Foreign Minister
that "non-redressal of this vital issue will cast a shadow on
our otherwise excellent bilateral relations".
Australian government should immediately ensure that
the concerned State police authorities deal with ongoing
investigations with sensitivity and a sense of urgency,
Krishna told Smith.
Responding to concerns conveyed to him, Smith said he
was conscious of the need for an early breakthrough in the
ongoing investigations concerning these incidents and his
government attached the highest priority to ensure the
continued well-being of Indian students. MORE PTI