Recently four Nigerian men were beaten up by locals holding a protest march demanding justice for a 17-year-old who had died two days earlier from a suspected drug overdose.
What does this issue underscore?
A mere rumour triggering such violence is truly alarming.
Understandably, this incident has touched an anxious chord about their personal safety among the thousands of African nationals who live, work and study in and around Delhi.
It has once again thrown a spotlight on a disturbing mob violence trend in the country which specifically targeting persons of African origin.
While the police have made some initial arrests, such incidents of racial violence need a stronger response from the administration and civil society.
Last year, the murder of a Congolese student in Delhi compelled African Heads of Mission to threaten a boycott of Africa Day.
In modern diplomacy, the quality of people-to-people contact is a factor in determining the overall strength of a bilateral relationship.
Even as Indian diplomats move to assure African students in Greater Noida about their safety, with External Affairs Minister discussing the matter with U.P. Chief Minister, this issue is not about foreign affairs.
It is a reminder of the latent racism in India, of the terrible prejudices too many of us harbour, and of the need for a political and social effort to overcome it.
