New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS) There has been a spurt in number of attacks on Indians in foreign countries in 2010 when 160 such cases were reported, of which the maximum were from Australia, parliament was informed Thursday.


Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, said that 160 Indians were attacked compared to 91 in 2009 and 90 in 2008. The highest number of attacks were reported from Australia (103) followed by 30 in the Philippines last year.

"The issue of attacks on Indians in Australia has been taken up at the highest level by the Indian government, including at the ministerial level as well as through the High Commission and its Consulates in Australia," he said.

Ravi said that steps taken by the Australian authorities have been effective, as reflected in the substantial decrease in the number of attacks in recent months.

Besides, Indian nationals abroad are sensitised by Indian missions/posts to maintain caution and vigilance in their general activities to avoid untoward incident.