India and Australia have signed a nuclear deal, based on which Canberra will export uranium to New Delhi, Press TV reports.
On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Australian Prime Minster Tony Abbot inked the agreement that will enable Australia to supply enriched uranium to the energy-starved India.
The two sides also discussed a range of bilateral, regional and international issues, including the situation in Ukraine and Iraq.
Addressing the reporters after signing the deal, Modi emphasized that both countries would work towards increasing their security cooperation and economic relationship.
Abbott, for his part, said his country signed the nuclear deal with New Delhi since it “trusts India.”
“We’ve signed a nuclear cooperation agreement because Australia trusts India to do the right thing in this area, as it has done the right thing in every area since independence almost 70 years ago.”
Australia had banned the sale of uranium in 1998, after India conducted a nuclear test.
Australia’s previous Labor government moved to lift a ban on selling uranium to India in 2011. The Indian government welcomed former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s decision to reverse Labor Party policy on uranium sales to India.
According to reports, shipments to India are expected to take at least two years.
Analysts say Abbot’s visit will further enhance ties between the two nations as Australia is keen to explore a range of opportunities in India in future.
After India, Abbott will travel to Malaysia for talks with Prime Minister Najib Razak.
MSM/MHB
No comments:
Post a Comment