Amid attacks, Australian minister on India tour

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith arrived in New Delhi [ Images ] on Monday on a five-day visit amid attacks on Indians in that country.

The issue is expected to figure in the discussions that Smith will have with Krishna and other Indian leaders.

The two sides will discuss ways to increase commercial ties and cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism and climate change.

Smith, on his second visit as foreign minister, will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna [ Images ] under the framework of foreign ministerial dialogue.

Ahead of his visit, Smith said, "Minister Krishna and I will discuss advancing bilateral, regional and international cooperation between Australia [ Images ] and India [ Images ]."

He said the two leaders will also "discuss our common interests and international political and economic issues".

India has been pressing Australia to take effective steps to prevent attacks on Indians, many of which are suspected to be racist in nature.