India, Aus to meet to ease diplomatic tension over attacks

Indian diplomats are expected to meet Australian officials in a bid to diffuse diplomatic tension between Canberra and New Delhi after the murder of 21-year-old Indian migrant in Melbourne.

According to V K Sharma, Indian deputy high commissioner in Canberra, High Commissioner Sujatha Singh would be meeting Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials (DFAT).

He said the meeting would probably be held soon. However, no date or time has been decided.

Meanwhile, Indian consulate in Melbourne has been closely following up with the authorised person for the victim.

Politicians in India and Australia have condemned the murder of 21-year-old accounting graduate Nitin Garg in a Yarraville park on Saturday night.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard unreservedly condemned the attack stating, "We are an accepting, tolerant, multicultural nation".

Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said it was a "heinous crime on humanity" and "an uncivilised brutal attack on innocent Indians".

Krishna said attacks on Indians in Melbourne were causing "deep anger" and the latest killing, "certainly will have some bearing on bilateral ties".

He said Australian authorities must act quickly to arrest those responsible and stem the violence against Indians, or New Delhi would take action; this could include issuing a cautionary travel advisory for Melbourne or even Australia.