In a guarded comment on the alleged harassment of ethnic Indians in Malaysia, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said the government is concerned whenever people of the country are in trouble anywhere in the world.
"This is a matter which concerns us. Whenever people of India run into difficulties, it is a source of concern," Singh said.
He, however, refused to speak further on the issue saying Parliament was in session and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee would be making a statement on the matter there.
Singh was asked to comment on the issue at a joint press conference with Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who is the current president of the European Union, after their talks.
The issue of the alleged ill-treatment of ethnic Indians in Malaysia has led to demands by political parties for the government to take up the matter with Kuala Lumpur.
More from rediff