Victoria is a state "in denial" about attacks on Indians in Melbourne, India's top envoy has told Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
News of the top-level meeting between Ms Bryce and Indian High Commissioner Sujata Singh in Sydney last Friday came as it was revealed Mrs Singh will return to New Delhi this month to brief officials on moves by the Australian government to ensure the safety of Indian students.
Mrs Singh reportedly told Ms Bryce she did not believe Australia was racist but said there could be long-term consequences unless more action was taken to prevent attacks, The Age reported today.
It's believed Mrs Singh praised police in NSW, Queensland and South Australia for their actions to curb racist attacks but said Victoria was too slow to respond and authorities were "in denial" over the scale of attacks there.
India's High Commission in Canberra would not confirm whether Mrs Singh had been recalled to New Delhi by her government for consultations - a move which would indicate rising diplomatic displeasure with Australia.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would not comment. Relations between Australia and India have been strained following a series of attacks on Indian students, mostly in Melbourne.
The Indian media has branded this as racism with the Indian government calling on Australia to do more to ensure the safety of their nationals. Indian media said Mrs Singh would brief External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao in New Delhi on the security of Indians from February 10.
"The envoy will discuss with the government steps taken by Australian authorities to protect Indians, particularly after the assurances given by Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith recently," an Indian external affairs ministry official was quoted as saying.
Mr Krishna met Mr Smith twice last week during the Afghanistan conference in London, conveying New Delhi's concerns on this matter.
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