



Media contact:  Malcolm Cole (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500     Angus Mackenzie (Departmental) 02 6261 1555          www.dfat.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS ALEXANDER DOWNER

FA  093          31  July  2007



US-INDIA CIVIL NUCLEAR INITIATIVE

I welcome the recent announcement that the United States and India have successfully  completed negotiations on the text of a bilateral civil nuclear agreement.

This very positive and historic development paves the way for a strengthened strategic  partnership between these two countries, which is very much in Australia’s interest.

The agreement marks a milestone in taking forward the landmark US-India civil nuclear  initiative which will have important non-proliferation and environmental benefits.

India - soon to be the world’s largest country - will be in a greater position to increase its use  of nuclear power to pursue economic development and assist in the fight against global  climate change.

India’s commitment to separate its civil and military nuclear facilities enabling expansion of  International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards will help to bring India more fully  into the non-proliferation mainstream.  Australia shares the goal of engaging with India as a  constructive and responsible partner in preventing proliferation of weapons of mass  destruction.

The US-India initiative also includes commitments by India to continue its nuclear testing  moratorium, work on conclusion of a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, and adhere to Missile  Technology Control Regime and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) standards.  It is in the  international community's interests to ensure all states abide by international non-proliferation  standards, particularly those with advanced nuclear technology such as India.

The steps which need to take place before the initiative can take effect - including negotiation  of new safeguard arrangements between India and the IAEA, and agreement by the 45  member states of the NSG to enable civil nuclear supply to India - will ensure the initiative  has broad international support.

The relationship between Australia and India has never been stronger - as economic partners  and on security and strategic issues Australia and India are collaborating at a level not seen  before.  Australian exports already contribute significantly to India’s economic growth.  India  is a rising power in Australia’s region, and globally, and Australia will continue to deepen its  engagement with India.



