Read more: US plays down role in uranium sales to India
US President Barack Obama has played down America's role in convincing Prime Minister Julia Gillard to sell uranium to India, arguing Australia had ''smart officials'' entirely capable of understanding India's importance as a regional player.President Obama's comments came as former prime minister John Howard backed Ms Gillard's decision to pursue policy change at Labor's looming national conference, and blamed her predecessor Kevin Rudd for the delay.
Mr Howard - who resolved to export uranium to India before he lost office in 2007 - said Australia had wasted ''five or six precious years'' because Mr Rudd scrapped the policy.
Asked about Washington's influence on the uranium decision, President Obama said: ''We have not had any influence, I suspect.'' He added that Ms Gillard did not need his advice. President Obama said uranium sales to India were compatible with the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and with international law, and Australia would make ''bilateral'' decisions regarding India in its own interests.