Expressing "disgust" over attacks on Indian students in his country, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said on Thursday that his government was committed to use "full force" of law to protect them.

"As Prime Minister of Australia, I am deeply disturbed and disgusted by attacks of violence against any foreign students studying in our country as our guests," he said, referring to the "criminal attacks targeting Indian students."

"These attacks will not be tolerated. They will be dealt with by the full force of the Australian law enforcement and criminal justice systems," he said, delivering a speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs in New Delhi.

Rudd said his government was committed to "doing its utmost to guarantee that the sons and daughters, Indian parents entrust to the care of the Australian community, remain safe and come home with a valuable education and wonderful memories."

Rudd's remarks are apparently part of the damage control exercise taken up by the Australian government in a big way fearing that the assaults will discourage Indian students to take up studies in that country resulting in financial loss.

With nearly 100,000 of its students studying in Australia, India has recently overtaken China to become the largest source of overseas students in 'Down Under'. Reports have it that Australia earns approximately 15 billion Australian dollars from international students.