Indian students safety in Australia being continuously monitored: Krishna

Kuwait, Feb 4 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has said the safety of Indian students in Australia is being continuously monitored and they need not worry.

Krishna said efforts are being made by the Indian and Australian governments to ensure the safety of students.

,"I would like to assure the Indian students that they don't have to be really worried about whatever has happened. Government of India is closely monitoring the developments with our high commissioner and between government of India and government of Australia," Krishna said.

"The two governments are aiming to set up a right kind of environment for students to pursue the purpose for which they have gone there with single minded attention," Krishna added.

Attacks on Indian students in Australia over the past 18 months have strained ties between the two nations and damaged Australia's lucrative foreign student market.

Krishna said his Australian counterpart, Stephen Smith, had recently assured him about the safety of students.

"He assured me that the Australian government has decided to set up a highlevel committee which will have higher representatives and who will address to the concerns of the Indian students and the Indian government," said Krishna.

"I hope that the highlevel committee has met and I also hope that the highlevel committee will continue to monitor the developments as and when they occur in Australia," he added.

Around 4,000 Indian students have cancelled their plans to study in Australia after the attacks.

Australian politicians and diplomats on Wednesday called for more balanced reporting by the media, saying reports of racist attacks had "done serious damage to Australia's image in India". (ANI)