Australian PM to visit India

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will travel to India this week in a bid to forge stronger relations with one of Australia's key economic and strategic partners, Australian Associated Press reported on Monday.

This will be his first visit to New Delhi after two previous trips were canceled.

The prime minister's two-day visit to Mumbai and New Delhi, beginning Wednesday, will give the federal government another opportunity to reassure India that its student population is welcome in Australia.

Rudd is the most senior member of the government to visit India after an outcry over the treatment of Indian students in Australia.

There was anger in India -- with some burning Rudd's effigy -- after Indian students were seemingly targeted in violent attacks in Melbourne and Sydney.

The violent episodes were coupled with emerging concerns about the standard of courses provided to students by some education operators.

The highlight of Rudd's visit will be a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday.

He will also get a chance to indulge in one of his predecessor's favorite pastimes when he attends the cricket in Mumbai, where he will meet a variety of Indian business leaders.

Source: Xinhua