Krishna meets Aus Energy Minister; raises uranium issue

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today pressed Australia to reverse its policy of not selling uranium to India.

Krishna, who arrived here today on a three-day visit, met Minister for Energy, Resources and Tourism Martin Ferguson and raised the issue of uranium supply to India.

He asked Ferguson to reverse the Australian government's policy of not selling uranium to countries which have not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Krishna was accompanied by Indian High Commissioner Sujata Singh and Secretary (East) Vijay Lata Reddy. Australian High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese was also present in the meeting.

Krishna is here to attend the seventh round of the framework dialogue with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd.

He will also attend a dinner hosted by Australian government where several leading dignitaries, including newly appointed Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu, are expected to attend.

Krishna is also likely to raise the issue of security of Indians in Australia which comprise half-a-million population, the fourth largest immigrant community.

Krishna's visit is said to mark the concerted efforts that the two sides are making at the government-to-government level to take bilateral relationship to the next level by encouraging high-level dialogue and engagement.

The minister is also likely to meet Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
       
Krishna would be leaving back on Friday.