New Delhi. Union Minister of Power, Shri Sushilkumar Shinde, who is leading an Indian delegation to Australia, today met the Premier of Western Australia, Mr. Colin Barnett at Perth. They discussed various issues related to Indian power sector including generation, transmission and distribution.

Shri Shinde mentioned the resilience of Indian economy during the global slowdown under the leadership of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. He also made a special mention of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, the flagship programme for rural electrification as well as the Restructured-APDRP and how it is taking India ahead.

Union Power Minister also discussed the setting up of Technical Training Institutes in collaboration with Australia where Australian know-how will be used to train Indian students who can work in the mining sector of the two countries.

Mr. Colin Barnett was positive on India-Australia strategic co-operation. He observed that Western Australia is rich in natural resources. Minister Shinde noted and responded that India would join Australia for exploration of natural resources and co-operation in this regard can be taken further. The Australian dignitary said that he would visit India shortly and would also call on Minister Shinde in New Delhi.

Yesterday, Shri Shinde addressed the 1st Australia-India Energy and Minerals Forum in Perth and also held bilateral talks on various issues related to co-operation in mineral and energy sector.