Australia has assured action on racial attacks: PM

"I have already spoken to the prime minister of Australia and he has assured me that any racial attack would be strongly dealt with," Manmohan Singh said in parliament, while replying to the debate on the president's address.

"He (Rudd) condemned and deplored the attacks and said it is unacceptable. He emphasised that Australia is a multi-cultural nation which respects and embraces diversity," the prime minister said.

"(The) members have expressed concern about the incidents in Australia. Australia has emerged as a major destination for Indian students," he said, and added that he like other members had condemned the "senseless violence which is racially motivated".

The prime minister was reacting to the spate of racial attacks on Indian students in Australia that have led to growing outrage in India.