Australia satisfied with security arrangements for C`Wealth Games 2010, IPL - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Australia has expressed its satisfaction with the security arrangements made for the Commonwealth Games 2010 and for the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament, which commences on March 12. Briefing reporters on the Indian visit of Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said: "As far as the security of the games is concerned Australia and India have been in close touch. Australian Hockey team is here. Australian players will be participating in the IPL matches and Australia has expressed satisfaction at the security arrangements." Earlier in the day, Australian Foreign Minister Smith informed reporters about Australia being very pleased with the cooperation and coordination about security in run up to Commonwealth Games. "We are pleased to see the security arrangements of the hockey world cup and also Commonwealth federation shooting competition." Smith was speaking to reporters after being shown around and briefed about the progress of work at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in the capital. Having arrived earlier on Tuesday morning, Smith is scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Wednesday and would hold conversation with officials to get up to date information and advice on the security coordination and cooperation as far as the games are concerned. There were heightened concerns in Australia after Ilyas Kashmiri, a suspected Al Qaeda militant, issued a threat to target the games and fears were further increased after the Pune attack. However, Smith has lauded the security arrangements and will be watching "the friendship match" to be played between India- Australia at the Major Dhyan Chand national stadium here tonight.