Speeches / Statements

Statement by Official Spokesperson on incidents of attacks on Indian students in Australia

29/05/2009

Reports of further incidents of attacks, on Indian students in Melbourne and Sydney, have generated extreme concern, in Government of India. To convey this, at the highest levels, in Government of Australia, the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, along with the Consul General in Melbourne, had detailed meetings, with the Premier of the State of Victoria, John Brumby and other ministers - as also Police officials, on Thursday 28 May.

It was conveyed to them, that Indian students, have been feeling that vicious attacks against them, have been increasing and that, there is an urgent need, to reassure them.

Separately, in telephonic conversations, when the Australian PM Kevin Rudd called Prime Minister and Australian FM Stephen Smith called EAM, to convey their congratulations, on their assumption of office, in the new Government, our concerns at attacks, on Indian students were conveyed suitably, in respective telephonic conversations.

The Australian High Commissioner, was called in to the Ministry when, the deep anguish and continuing concern, of the Government of India, about the students’ welfare in Australia, was conveyed. The High Commissioner gave details, of the several steps, that the Australian authorities are taking, to address, the safety issues, concerning the Indian students studying in Australia.

It was conveyed to the Australian High Commissioner that, continuing sense of unease and insecurity, for Indian students in Australia, can have an adverse effect, in a sector that holds much promise. Certain steps that the Australian side could take, in addition to those that they have initiated, were also discussed and conveyed to the High Commissioner.

The Indian High Commissioner and Consul General in Melbourne, visited the injured Indian student, Sravan Kumar Theerthala, at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. They also met his friends and other students, who had been injured in the incident, on the night of 23/24 May. Sravan Kumar is being given, the best possible medical treatment, though his condition continues to be serious. Separately, other students who had been injured in Melbourne and Sydney, have also been met, by the Indian High Commissioner.

Australian authorities have conveyed, their clear commitment, to ensuring the safety and well-being, of Indian students in Australia. Meanwhile Indian High Commissioner in Canberra, as also, the Consuls General in Sydney and Melbourne, are taking steps, to put a series of cautionary measures, on their respective websites, including do’s and dont’s. A section of the website, specifically devoted to the students, would advise them, on how to report incidents, even of a minor nature, to enable the Indian officials, to take up, their specific complaints with the concerned Australian authorities.

The High Commissioner and the Consul General are in close and constant touch, with the Indian students in Australia and will continue to extend all possible assistance.

Separately, a guide for prospective students, going to Australia, listing out, all the relevant information, to coordinate action on their welfare, is under preparation.

The Australian authorities, have assured that they will be taking, additional steps, to ensure the safety and security, of our students and to reassure all concerned, that Australia continues to be, a safe country to study - in.

New Delhi
May 29, 2009