Elements of racism possible in attacks: Australian envoy

Australia Thursday admitted that some of the attacks on Indian students in that country may have "elements" of racism.

"I think all attacks probably have different motivations. But primarily, they are criminal. In some cases hooliganism in others robbery. Racism may be an element in some of them," Australian High Commissioner John McCarthy told reporters after meeting Overseas Indians Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi here.

"There is racism in every country so it is not a total surprise that there might be an element in some of these crimes," he said.

Six Indians students are reported to have been assaulted in the last one month in Melbourne and Sydney that has led to diplomatic pressure from India and protests in Australia by Indian students.