India, Australia to hold third round of nuclear talks

India and Australia, under the new dispensation of Prime Minister Tony Abbott, are hoping to hold a third round of talks on nuclear cooperation in December this year, said a top official Monday.

Secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry Ashok K. Kantha said Abbott has "made positive comments about the need for expediting, accelerating negotiations between India and Australia on nuclear cooperation".

"We already have held two rounds of negotiations, and we are hoping to hold a third round of negotiations if possible in December this year. We have not yet firmed up the dates. But I believe there is a strong desire on both sides to try and bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion at an early date," said Kantha at a briefing here.

Australia has the world's largest reserves of uranium.