BJP's youth wing protests in front of Australian High Commission

New Delhi, June 1 (ANI): To protest against alleged racist attack on Indian students in Australia, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) youth wing activists today staged a protest outside Australian High Commission here.

The activists of BJP's Yuva Morcha raised slogans, demanding security to Indian students in Australia.

The Yuva Morcha leaders said they were concerned about the security of around 80,000 Indian youths studying in that country.

Both Indian and Australian governments should act swiftly to ensure safety of students there, they said.

The activists alleged that Australian police were not cooperative and that the Indian students were scared of them.

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd reassured New Delhi that Australia isn't a racist nation, and promised that the culprits behind the attacks on Indian students are brought to book.

The violence has made headlines around the world and India has warned it could jeopardise Australia's lucrative education sector, which earns two billion dollars annually from Indian students.

There are believed to have been over 70 assaults during the past year, culminating in a number of stabbings in Melbourne last week.

And, according to news.com.au, the issue threatens to erupt further after claims police were heavy-handed when breaking up a rally blocking a major Melbourne city intersection overnight.

Rudd today warned the attacks threatened to "impair" the good relations between Australia and India.

The Rudd Government has been keen to build the relationship with India, one of the powerhouse economies of Asia with a growing middle class that offers many trading opportunities for Australia.

During a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday to congratulate him on his second-term win in recent elections, Rudd promised Indians were welcome in Australia. (ANI)