Krishna met Australian Energy Minister; raises uranium issue

Natasha Chaku

Melbourne, Jan 19 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S MKrishna today pressed Australia to reverse its policy of notselling uranium to India.

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

He asked Ferguson to reverse the Australiangovernment''s policy of not selling uranium to countries whichhave not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Krishna was accompanied by Indian High CommissionerSujata Singh and Secretary (East) Vijay Lata Reddy. AustralianHigh Commissioner to India Peter Varghese was also present inthe meeting.

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

He will also attend a dinner hosted by Australiangovernment where several leading dignitaries, including newlyappointed Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu, are expected toattend.

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

Krishna''s visit is said to mark the concerted effortsthat the two sides are making at the government-to-governmentlevel to take bilateral relationship to the next level byencouraging high-level dialogue and engagement.

The minister is also likely to meet Prime MinisterJulia Gillard.

Krishna would be leaving back on Friday.