India issues guidelines for Indian students in Australia

New Delhi, June 12 : India has appreciated the steps Australia has taken for the safety of Indian students, some of whom have faced allegedly racist attacks, even as it released a list of do's and don'ts for Indians studying in that country.

"We hope that the Australian government will succeed to stop the attacks. It is a terrible thing that the attacks are continuing," Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon told reporters here Friday.

He signaled appreciation for the efforts of the Australian government and said that New Delhi and Canberra were in touch during the crisis.

"we have a cooperative helpful government (that is) trying to stop these attacks," said Menon.

The guidelines issued by the external affairs ministry have also been put up on the website of the Indian high commission in Canberra.

It includes a comprehensive list of do's and don't's for the students before and after arriving in Australia for studies.

The students have been asked to make sure that they have adequate finances to cover their living cost. "You may need at least A$1,200 a month for food, accommodation, transport etc. No matter what any one or the agent tells you, it is difficult to earn enough to meet all your expenses including tuition fees," said the guideline.

On arriving in Australia, the students should send in their details to the Indian embassy or consulate. They should also get details on the security situation around the campus and accommodation, according to the guidelines.

"Don’t carry more cash than required, especially when travelling alone or late at night. Avoid flaunting expensive items, such as mobile phones, iPods or laptops,” according to the guidelines.

Nearly a dozen Indian students studying in Australia have been attacked in the past month, with many alleging the attacks were racially motivated.