Krishna reiterates issue of Indian nationals' safety in Australia

New Delhi, Jan.26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has deplored the attacks on two Indian nationals in Australia yesterday and said that the issue of racism will top his agenda during his meet with Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith in London on Wednesday.

In an exclusive interview to Times Now, Krishna emphasised that the safety of Indians is of utmost importance.

Two Indian students were assaulted by a large group of people in Melbourne Central following which Australian police arrested nine persons and charged five of them for viciously attacking the youth.

The two victims, aged 20 and 22, told police they were attacked by people from a large group on Swanston Street in Melbourne Central.

The accused, described as being of Asian appearance, had allegedly made comments to the duo before one of the student was pushed to the ground and kicked at about 10.20 pm (local time) last night in central Melbourne, police said.

"Eight people were arrested this morning, with another man picked up later in the day. Of the nine arrested, five youths have been charged with affray, intentionally causing injury and summary assault offences," a Victorian police statement said.

"The four 19-year-olds from Carlton, Abbotsford, Warrandyte and Northcote and a 20-year-old from Donvale have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 5 April," it said, adding the remaining four males have been released pending further investigations.

The 20-year-old Indian suffered a wound on his left ear from what appeared to be an edged weapon, police said, adding the 22-year-old student was also punched to the ground and suffered minor abrasions to the forearm.

Despite the Indian government having already expressed its displeasure to Australia at the highest level on the growing number of attacks on Indian nationals there has been no reduction in attacks on innocent students. (ANI)