Some of Attacks on Indians Racist in Nature: Smith
Australia has acknowledged that some of the attacks on Indians were racially motivated and have caused significant damage to country’s reputation in India, reported PTI.
To study the issue and suggesting remedial measures, premier criminal research agency has been roped in.
“I acknowledge absolutely that this issue has caused considerable damage to Australia’s reputation among Indian people. We have to work very hard to address that. We have to be open, transparent and upfront about that,” Australian foreign minister Stephen Smith, currently on India visit, was quoted as saying while talking to reporters.
Smith admitted that some of the violence against Indians was racist in nature or had racial overtones, said report.
“We know that a number of these assaults are racists and have racial overtones. These are absolutely contemptible. We are doing a range of things in future to better portray modern Australia. We want to underline the strength of relationship between India and Australia,” Smith was quoted as saying.
The minister, however, informed that the two countries agreed that the matter should not be let to influence bilateral relations which have seen immense growth in the last two years, said report.
The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) has been entrusted with the task of studying the issue in depth and ensure whether the government’s response to the attacks has been apt, Smith said.
