Mr. Ravi Bhatia, Chairman AIBC, Victoria
By our business reporter
Melbourne: The Australian India Business Council today welcomed the decision by Prime Minister Julia Gillard to reconsider the Government’s ban on the sale of uranium to India.
“The decision to reconsider this ban is long overdue” said Mr Bhatia. “India is an increasingly crucial trading partner for Australia and the ban on sale of uranium is a contentious issue preventing an open relationship”.
“With a population of 1.2 billion people and 40% of who live below the poverty line, India needs strong and reliable sources of energy to assist in her development. Nuclear energy is an essential element of India’s need for carbon friendly power” said Mr Bhatia.
“The Australian Government’s refusal to supply uranium to India has been a persistent negative influence on the relationship with India. We strongly encourage the Government to reverse its position and allow the free trade between these two great countries”
Meanwhile, in a media statement Mr. Arun Sharma, National Chairman, AIBC commended the Prime Minister on reconsidering the ban in the broader national interests and in recognition of strengthened relations between both countries.
Professor Sharma said “the Australia India relationship will redefine our nations and the region, over the coming decades. The ability for India to generate the power needed to support its rapidly growing economy is reliant on safe and secure access to nuclear power. With Australia holding a significant share of the world’s uranium reserves, it represents an important opportunity for trade that can be managed given appropriate levels of transparency”.
“AIBC believes that with adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency arrangements and strong transparency measures that Australian uranium can be sold to India for peaceful purposes. Professor Sharma acknowledges that “this is a highly emotive and sensitive issue and urges the Government to work closely with business and communities in both countries to ensure the most robust and transparent arrangements are in place to support the move.”
“India’s continued peaceful rise as the largest democracy in the world and one of the largest economies in our region is in the national interests for all Australians. AIBC welcomes the opportunity to work with both Governments to see a way clear in opening up the sale of Australian uranium into India”, the release said.
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