A fresh political war of words has erupted between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the India-Australia civil nuclear partnership, with the Opposition accusing the ruling party of taking undue credit for a process it says was initiated during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
The dispute surfaced after India and Australia announced a civil nuclear energy agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia, paving the way for commercial uranium supplies to India’s nuclear energy programme.
Congress Says Decision Has Roots in UPA-Era Diplomacy
Rejecting the BJP’s assertion that the uranium supply arrangement was achieved under the Modi government, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh argued that the groundwork had been laid more than a decade ago.
In a post on X, Ramesh said, “On Dec 4, 2011, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard got approval of her party to sell uranium to India following the India-US Nuclear Agreement of Oct 2008.”
He maintained that the diplomatic breakthrough originated from the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement signed during the UPA government’s tenure and claimed BJP leaders were ignoring the earlier developments.
Ramesh also remarked that BJP leaders and supporters “need to do their homework better,” while sharing media reports from 2011 highlighting Australia’s decision to permit uranium exports to India.
BJP Credits Modi Government for Strategic Breakthrough
The Congress response came after BJP IT Department chief Amit Malviya described the latest agreement as a reflection of India’s strengthened global standing under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Malviya said Australia had earlier declined to export uranium to India because New Delhi was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but added that the present agreement reflected growing international confidence in India.
“This isn’t just about uranium. It reflects India’s transformed global standing. From being viewed through the prism of restrictions to being treated as a trusted strategic partner,” Malviya posted on X.
Political Credit Battle Intensifies
The Congress further argued that the India-Australia civil nuclear cooperation framework became possible because of the India-US Nuclear Cooperation Agreement that came into force in October 2008.
Ramesh also took a swipe at the BJP, saying the Congress had created “turning points,” while accusing the ruling party of specialising in “U-turning points.”
The remarks have added a political dimension to what is otherwise seen as a significant step in strengthening India’s civil nuclear energy partnership with Australia.
India and Australia Expand Strategic Cooperation
Apart from the civil nuclear energy agreement, India and Australia signed multiple pacts covering defence cooperation, maritime security, critical minerals, cyber security, critical technologies, energy collaboration and resilient supply chains.
The uranium supply arrangement is expected to support India’s expanding nuclear power programme, while also deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries across several sectors.
FAQs
What is the dispute between Congress and BJP?
The Congress claims the process leading to Australia’s uranium exports to India began during the UPA government, while the BJP credits the Modi government for securing the agreement.
What did Jairam Ramesh say?
He said Australia’s Labour Party approved uranium sales to India in December 2011 following the 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement and accused the BJP of ignoring that history.
What did Amit Malviya claim?
Malviya said the agreement reflects India’s enhanced global stature under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its emergence as a trusted strategic partner.
Why is the uranium agreement important?
It enables commercial uranium supplies from Australia for India’s civilian nuclear power programme and strengthens bilateral strategic ties.
What other agreements were signed?
India and Australia also announced agreements on defence, maritime security, critical minerals, cyber security, energy cooperation, critical technologies and supply chains.
