Kyusuibu Honbu
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India's fury at Pakistan training by Australia
Matt Wade NEW DELHI
December 11, 2010
THE Indian government has reportedly queried Australia's training program for Pakistani military personnel and re-emphasised its displeasure at the Labor government's ban on uranium sales to New Delhi.
The concerns were raised during meetings between top level diplomats from both countries in New Delhi, according to reports in the Indian media.
A spokesman for the Australian High Commission in New Delhi said it does not comment on private official discussions with other governments but did not deny the reports.
''Australia's training program for Pakistani military personnel is well known, and focuses on counter-terrorism,'' he said.
The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Dennis Richardson, has been in the Indian capital his week and held meetings senior with Indian officials.
Last year the Australian government announced the number of Pakistani security and defence personnel receiving training in Australia would increase fourfold to more than 40. The foreign minister at the time, Stephen Smith, said the government was committed to strengthening Pakistan's ability to combat terrorism, narcotics, people-smuggling and money-laundering.
Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, a foreign affairs and senior editor at the Hindustan Times, said the Indian government has become increasingly sensitive about Western military aid to Pakistan, including training programs.
The Australian government's refusal to lift a ban on uranium sales to India because it is not a signatory of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty has been a long-standing irritant in relations between the countries.
''Australia's position on uranium sales to India is well known,'' the spokesman for the Australian High Commission said.
Rather pathetic inquisitiveness by GOI
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