External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Friday met Australia [Images]n Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and discussed various bilateral issues, including the recent attacks on Indian students in Australia.

Rudd assured Krishna that all requisite steps would be taken to ensure the safety of Indian students in Australia. "Australia is not a racist country. We welcome Indian students," the Australian PM told Krishna.

He added that he was looking into the problems faced by Indian students in Australia. "The experience of studying in Australia will be friendlier," Rudd told the external affairs minister.  

The closed door meeting, which was held at Cairns in Queensland, was also attended by Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and Indian High Commissioner Sujatha Singh, apart from others top officials from both countries.

The Indian foreign minister will have lunch with Smith at the Hilton Hotel after the meeting. Both leaders will address a joint press conference later today.

Image: A student protests against the racial attacks in Sydney [Images] | Photograph: Reuters