A day after India reiterated its concerns over recent attacks on students from here down under, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd Thursday said they were welcome guests in his country.
"Indian students are welcome guests in Australia. They are important for the Australian economy and we want them to stay amicably in a cordial manner,” said Rudd, currently visiting India,.
“We want all our international students in Australia to stay together in a very amicable manner," he said during an interaction with business leaders at the Taj Mahal hotel here.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash had Wednesday said India attached the "highest importance" to the safety and security of its students in Australia.
"It's a matter of concern," Prakash said after attacks on Indian students resumed.
"We have conveyed our concerns at the highest level. Unfortunately, the attacks have recurred in the last week," he said. "It's important that the means are effective to ensure the security and safety of Indian students."