Australian foreign minister to arrive in India

New Delhi, Mar 2: Amidst concern over the upsurge in racist attacks against Indians in Australia, Australian foreign minister Stephen Smith will arrive in New Delhi for his three-day official visit on Tuesday, Mar 2 to discuss the issue.

The Australian foreign minister is expected to brief India on the security of Indians in Down Under in the wake of growing concern over the attacks.

Smith will talk on the steps taken by the authorities to create a safe and rewarding study environment for Indian students in Australia.

"I will meet with Krishna, following on from our meeting in London in January. Krishna and I will discuss Australia's and India's close cooperation in trying to solve the recent problems faced by some Indians in Australia," Smith said.

Smith's visit comes a month after his meeting with his Indian counterpart SM krishna in London during which Krishna expressed India's concern over the issue.

Besides racism, security preparedness for the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi from Oct 3-14 will figure on his list agendas.

In the recent past India has witnessed several visits by the top Australian authorities, including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his deputy Julia Gillard to assure India about the security measure taken to secure Indians in Australia.

On reaching India, Smith will also watch the Australia-India hockey match on Mar 2 at the ongoing World Cup.

OneIndia News