India, Australia to begin negotiations for civil-nuke pact

India and Australia on Wednesday decided to commence negotiations on a bilateral Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement which, for Australia, is a prerequisite for uranium sales to other countries. The decision was taken during the talks between Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his visiting Australian counterpart Julia Gillard. The two leaders also agreed to hold annual summit-level meetings to launch a Ministerial-level Dialogue on Energy Security, start negotiations for an Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons, said an official statement issued by India's External Affairs Ministry. After the talks, the Indian PM told media persons: "Relations between India and Australia are characterised by expanding trade and investment, defence cooperation, education and cultural linkages and people-to-people interaction. We are also developing wide-ranging cooperation in defence and security issues, including the fight against terrorism, in all of which we regard Australia as an important partner." About negotiations for civil-nuke pact, Singh said: "This is recognition of India's energy needs as well as of our record and credentials and I have expressed to Prime Minister Gillard our India's appreciation of this development." On the occasion, as many as four agreements were also signed between the two sides, on areas including cooperation in the field of wool and woolen products, cooperation in student mobility and welfare and cooperation in civil space science and technology, and education.