Krishna concludes Australia visit; returns home

MELBOURNE: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna today flew back to New Delhi after attending the seventh round of Foreign Minsters' framework dialogue during which he discussed regional and bilateral issues with his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd and other leaders.

During his three-day official visit, Krishna met Rudd, several senior officials and leaders of the country including new Victorian premier Ted Beilluei and Energy and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson.

During his meetings with the two ministers, Krishna raised the issue of India's standing request to Australia to sell uranium to it to generate clean energy.

While Australian government refused to reverse its policy as India is a non signatory of Non-Proliferation Treaty, it also embarrassed Krishna over the non payment of dues to Australian companies for Delhi Commonwealth Games related work.

Krishna yesterday assured Australia that he would go back and raise the issue with the sports ministry.

Over Australia's stand on uranium, Krishna said he was not disappointed over its refusal as India understood Australian stand was not India-specific and that it was well respected.

Krishna also raised the issue of safety and security of Indian student in this country and expressed his satisfaction over the efforts taken by the Australian government.