Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar with a group of African students in New Delhi.
The government today continued its damage control exercise in the wake of string of assaults on Africans with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar assuring that safety and security of the community is an "article of faith" for the government.
Mr Jaishankar met a group of African students who raised their concerns over host of issues including better security in the wake of the killing of Congolese national Masonda Ketada Oliver and cases of assaults against the community.
"Foreign Secretary to students: Ensuring safety and security of foreign students is an article of faith for us," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
The issues raised by the African students, which were part of a world students body, included visa issues, problems in getting accomodation and the need for sensitising police force while dealing with them.
On his part, Mr Jaishankar assured them that India shares their concerns and will take steps to address the problems being faced by them.
Separately, Joint Secretary (West Africa) in the Ministry of External Affairs Birender Yadav received the family of Masonda Ketada Oliver at the airport and gave the assurance that government would ensure a speedy trial in the case and prosecution of all those responsible for the crime.
The foreign ministry told the family that it would bear all expenses related to dispatch of mortal remains of Mr Oliver, Mr Swarup said.
He said that the family members thanked the Indian government for its assistance. Later, the family accompanied by Congo Ambassador met Yadav at his office.