Measures Underway to Prevent Attacks on Indians: Brumby

While admitting that the country’s image in India had suffered a bashing due to the recent attacks on Indians, Australia on Thursday said racial attacks were unacceptable and that steps were underway to prevent such crimes.

Newly appointed Australian High Commissioner Peter Varghese, who presented his credentials to President Pratibha Patil, said his country was keen on taking bilateral ties with India to the next level.

The Indian origin diplomat noted that interests of both countries were “increasingly converging”.

Meanwhile, Premier of Australia’s Victoria province John Brumby who arrived in the national capital on a seven-day visit, attempted to calm concerns of Indian students desirous of studying in his province and country, saying all necessary steps were being taken to prevent such crimes.