India says it 'respects' Australia's position on uranium
Updated
India's foreign minister, Pranab Mukherjee, says his country respects the Australian government's decision not to allow uranium sales to his country.
Australia has refused to approve uranium sales because India has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Mr Mukherjee has had talks with Australia's foreign minister, Stephen Smith, in Canberra.
The ministers have signed treaties that strengthen extradition laws and improve intelligence cooperation.
Mr Mukherjee says Australia's position on uranium sales was not a major part of the discussions with Mr Smith.
"We [have been] aware of the position of the Labor party in Australia for quite some time," he said.
"Australia's commitment to non-proliferation is firm and we respect that."
The nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, adopted in 1968, aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
The NPT incorporates a safeguards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA.
