India critical of Aust uranium export stance. 03/03/2006. ABC News Online

Australia's uranium exports policy has been criticised in India in the wake of an historic nuclear technology and fuel deal between India and the United States.

Australia refuses to export uranium to India because it is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The unprecedented US deal will supply India with civilian nuclear reactor technology and fuel.

Australian policy is not to export uranium to India that has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

That policy was reiterated this week by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer when speaking to Indian journalists in Canberra.

Professor Brahma Chellaney of New Delhi's Centre for Policy Research says that Australia's position is likely to be an issue when Prime Minister John Howard visits India next week.

"Not only do they put Australia at odds with the US policy of nuclear engagement with India, they also send out a message that Australia is intent on scuttling, on stopping this nuclear deal between the US and India," Professor Chellaney said.

The Prime Minister is expected in the Indian capital on Sunday night.

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