The head of the apex body for Protestant and Orthodox churches in the country condemned the spate of racial attacks on Indian students in Australia.

In a fresh incident, a 21-year-old was stabbed by a group of men in Melbourne, even as the spurt of crimes left one battling for life while another recuperating from a deep stab injury.

Bishop DK Sahu, general secretary of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), denounced the violent assaults on Indian students, and said the government there must take all steps to ensure the security of students in that country.

There are over 80,000 Indian students in Australia, making it the second largest foreign population after the Chinese.

"Students in any country being racially attacked is condemnable," Bishop Sahu told Christian Today.

"Foreign governments must create a conducive atmosphere for the welfare of student community," he suggested, adding, "any breach of this must seriously be examined by that country."

According to Australian police at least 500 cases of assault on Indian students were reported between Oct 2008 and Mar 2009.

Bishop Sahu says the government must check the "root causes of such attacks" and must ensure that "minority issues are addressed by the authorities."

Last week, thousands of Indian students in Australia as well as other countries, held demonstrations protesting the racial attacks on student community in Australia.

Representatives of Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA) said the purpose of the rally was to "create an awareness about an increasing number of hate crimes within the state and to promote racial harmony and peace."

FISA expressed grave concern over 25-year-old Rajesh Kumar who suffered 30 per cent burns after a suspected petrol bomb was hurled at him. Another student, Sravan Kumar remained in coma in the intensive care unit after being stabbed by a screwdriver, the group said.

Prime Minister Monmahon Singh and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna also conveyed India’s concerns when they spoke to their Australian counterparts last week.

Under fire over the racial attacks, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Julia Gillard said, "We want to send a message ... loud and clear that Australian government, the Victorian (state) government have no tolerance for any actions based on racial intolerance."

To counter this issue, “the government will invite international student representatives to participate in a round table to discuss issues affecting their study experience such as accommodation, welfare and safety,” she said.

“With over 4,30,000 international students visiting Australia annually, it is important to me that their views and concerns are heard,” Gillard added.