Foreign Ministers Krishna and Rudd discuss strengthening of Indo-Australian ties

Melbourne Jan 20 (ANI): External Affair Minister S. M. Krishna met his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd here at the Seventh Foreign Ministers Framework Dialogue.

The meeting was aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

India and Australia have exchanged their views at length over the several issues including the Indian students issue, change in immigration law, trade, energy and resources, supply of uranium, counter terrorism and others.

Krishna's first visit to Australia was primarily to take first hand information of the racist attacks on the Indian students. According to the information, India conveyed deep concern over the student issues to the Australian authorities. hanges in the immigration has came up following laws by Australian government.

Uncertainly prevails among many Indian students who are in Australia and most of them have taken heavy loans to get admission in the Australian based universities.

However, over 40000 students had to leave Australia due to close down of the colleges and changes in the visa procedures.

Sujata Singh, Indian High Commissioner to Australia informed that the High Commission has dedicated a full day, every Friday, to extend support and help to the Indian students who have been facing problems here.

Since the demand for energy has been increasing in India New Delhi has been looking for more cooperation with those countries that are rich in energy resources and Australia is one of them.

On Wednesday, Krishna held talks with Australia's Resource, Energy and Tourism Minister Martin Ferguson on uranium sales.

The bilateral trade between the two countries has grown from 6.54 billion Australian dollars to 22.40 billion Australian dollars in five years and India intends to increases its exports to the Australia. By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)