India is set to win another endorsement for its status as a peaceful nuclear power, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart, Tony Abbott, expected to sign an India-Australia civil nuclear cooperation agreement here on Friday.
The agreement, which will enable Australia to export uranium to India in return for safeguards from India on its use, will bolster India’s plans to increase nuclear energy production. India offers the potential to double Australia’s uranium exports to more than a billion dollars by 2018, say experts.
Mr. Abbott is expected to discuss boosting trade, education exchanges and agricultural technology transfers with Mr. Modi. In Mumbai on Thursday, Mr. Abbott told business leaders “There is an abundance of opportunities here in India. I am determined to make the most of them.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Watch video: