Indians' ranking of Australia as a good place to do business, study or travel has risen to 8th out of 38 countries, up from 35th in 2009-10 when street crimes against Indian students made headlines.

The ranking is based on perceptions of Australia’s governance as well as its favourability as a location for business, tourism and study abroad.

Yet the report by Melbourne University’s Australia India Institute described the relationship as “brittle” and recommended the Australian government act swiftly to consolidate ties by strengthening trade and security, improving communication and offering concessions to international students.