Attacks on Indians in Australia tragic: Rao

“These incidents have shaken the confidence of Indian students and their parents about Australia,” Rao said in an interview to ‘Outlook’ magazine.

“It is very very important to restore that confidence. A climate of fear and suspicion is not good for the relationship between the two countries,” she said.

Commenting on Sino-Indian relations,the foreign secretary said,the cooperation between India and China at Copenhagen has helped establish a very positive paradigm.

Arguing that Copenhagen ought not to have surprised people,Rao said,”Setting aside what one many have seen in the media,we have to acknowledge that the relationship has grown tremendously in the last few years.”

On Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s visit to India next week,she said it will be a “landmark” event Indo-Bangladesh bilateral relations.

“Considering the spirit of mutual trust and confidence,I think both governments are on the same page,” she said.