NEW DELHI, JANUARY 12: The Australian defence attache who left India in protest after the Pokharan nuclear tests is returning to resume his duties. Australia had denounced India in May 1998 after the nuclear tests and had withdrawn its diplomats and other personnel attending various defence courses in India.``After the nuclear tests, Indian officers undergoing training and attending various courses in Australia were also sent back. Australia also withdrew its officers, but now after the defence attache returns and resumes his duties, the courses will be resumed,'' Government sources said.The return of Colonel Paul Power, the Defence Attache, assumes significance since not only the US but also other countries which had criticised India for having conducted the nuclear tests ``are coming around'' to see the Indian perspective, added an official.Rory Medcalf, first secretary at the Australian High Commission, told The Indian Express that Colonel Power was soon returning to India. ``He is expected very soon. In fact, as early as mid-January,'' Medcalf said. The softening of the Australian stance is apparent since Australia is also sending a ship to participate in the first International Fleet Review (IFR) to be held at Mumbai in February 2001.``Post-Pokharan all naval interaction with Australia had come to a standstill. But we sent them an invitation to participate in the fleet review which they have accepted. They have also invited one of our ships to visit them by the end of this year which we are considering,'' Rear Admiral Suresh Bangara, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Operations), said.``Once their defence attache rejoins here, we will also send our DA to resume duties. Following this their officers are expected to start attending staff college and National Defence College (NDC) here. We will also send our officials to attend staff college,'' said an official.Before the Pokharan tests, the Navy had sent INS Godavari to visit Australia but after that all interaction had come to a standstill. Government sources said Australia changing its stance was a positive step. ``Actually Australia has the US nuclear umbrella which we do not. We have to protect our interests and have a strategic deterrence. This even they realise now. Of course, joint exercises are still far for now we are beginning a relationship afresh,'' sources added.
