India’s foreign ministry confirmed two Indian nationals and two other persons of Indian origin were assaulted in Australia on Sept 12.

‘It would help if various measures being contemplated by the Australian side, in addition to those already announced, are put in place at the earliest, to prevent reoccurrence of such incidents in the future,’ said a statement from the foreign ministry.

A series of attacks on Indian students since May has strained diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Canberra and each new attack prompts wide media coverage here.

The Australian government has promised to increase police patrols and weed out suspect education and migration agents after revelations that foreign students were falling victim to sub-standard courses and visa scams.

‘We are concerned at the recurring attacks on Indians in Australia and we hope that the latest incident is investigated with care and the culprits are dealt with,’ the statement said.

The attacks have cast a shadow over the Australian education industry for foreign students which is worth US$13.4 billion.

About 95,000 Indians are studying in Australia after a university publicity blitz targeting the country’s growing middle class.

The ministry said it had taken note of assurances given by the Australian authorities but now expected some action.