Shane Warne met Victoria Premier John Brumby to discuss how to address issues stemming from violent attacks on Indians.
Former Australian leg spinner Shane Warne met Victoria Premier John Brumby to discuss how to address issues stemming from violent attacks on Indians.
Warne, who has a huge profile in India for his record-breaking Test career and Rajasthan Royals’ success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has been vocal about the attacks and is eager to find ways to ease off tensions between the two countries.
According to reports, Warne has given the state Government the thumbs-up for its attempts to rebuild Victoria's battered reputation in India.
“The Premier, who I think is doing a good job, and I are both on the same wavelength. We are both passionate about Victoria and Melbourne. I think statistics show Melbourne has a low crime rate for a major city, and I know it is a great place to live,” The Herald Sun quoted Warne, as saying.
“I think I am a good fit to help out. I think I understand the people and believe I am well respected by the Indian people. I just want to do whatever I can to help the Australian-Indian relationship,” he added.
Brumby said that he would like to meet the Test legend again for further discussions about the details of any campaign in India.
“Shane is greatly respected here and in India. I'd like to see Shane in some promotional or advertising role in India. There is also a role in just telling our story as a great multicultural place,” Brumby said.
The attacks over the past 18 months, including the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old Indian graduate this month, have strained ties between the two countries.
Earlier, the Indian Government had conveyed its disappointment to Australia over the latest attacks on Indians in Brisbane and asked the Australian authorities to take more effective steps to stop the incidents.
“The security and safety of the Indian students as well as Indian nationals is a very important for us and we are disappointed at the attacks which continue to happen towards Indians,” official spokesperson of the Indian External Affairs Ministry Vishnu Prakash had said.
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