Sydney: Union External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Thursday met the Indian community in Australia to hear first-hand accounts of the problems faced by Indian students in that country.
Indians in Sydney told the visiting minister that Australia is not a racist nation and that the Australian government should be encouraged to be more co-operative. They emphasised that "immediate action by the Australian government in every case of racism is necessary".
Krishna arrived in Australia on a five-day visit following a spate of attacks on Indians in the past few months.
The minister will discuss the attacks on Indians and their security with the Australian government during his visit. He will meet Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith.
Meanwhile, the Sydney police have said that they would begin orientation programmes in colleges. The police have reassured Indian parents with the promise of safety.