India and Australia to discuss civil nuclear cooperation

Talks in March could also lead to Australia renewing uranium exports to India.

The foreign ministers of the two nations will meet in New Delhi to hold talks on the Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement. In October, the two countries agreed to hold annual ministerial-level discussions to enhance cooperation in the energy sector.

India wants to import uranium from Australia, the world's third-largest exporter, to ensure adequate supplies for its nuclear power program despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

In 2008, however, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a 46-country cartel, agreed to allow exports of nuclear energy equipment and fuel to India in recognition of its history of non-proliferation.