Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith is in India to hold uranium export talks with officials of the south Asian nation in anticipation of the lifting of the ban.

Analysts said Australia's initiative to remove the export ban is connected to the strengthening of military ties between Canberra and New Delhi. They are observing the significant announcement that Mr Smith will make later this week in a speech in Mumbai.

Mr Smith has emphasised the importance of Australia's relationship with India.

"The potential for that to grow, particularly as defence-to-defence contracts applies, is great.... I am looking very much forward to encouraging greater naval contract between Australia and India," The Canberra Times quoted the minister.

Mr Smith is also holding a dialogue with his Indian counterpart, A.K. Antony. The dialogue would revolve on shared strategic and security interests, including maritime security, co-operation in the Indian Ocean and regional security.

The minister also stressed that Australia has no plans to sell uranium to India's neighbour and rival, Pakistan.

"Pakistan does hot have the same record as far as proliferation is concerned.... There have been serious expressions of concern about proliferation in the past," ABC quoted Mr Smith.