Last week, SFR reported that Gov. Bill Richardson discussed possible uranium exports to India, a growing nuclear power and US ally, in a meeting with Susmita G. Thomas, India's Consul General in San Francisco.

Through a spokesperson, Richardson said he "didn't recall" that aspect of the meeting. But in an email today to SFR, Consul General Thomas adds another confirmation to the nature of the discussions.

"Some of the potential areas to be touched upon included the possibility of shooting or producing of Bollywood movies in New Mexico and the possibility of uranium exports to India," Thomas writes. " You will appreciate that since this was a courtesy call, and there was no need to concretize any outcomes, these remained in the realm of generalities."

Incidentally, Thomas found Santa Fe "extremely quaint, charming and endearing." Read her full email after the cut.

During our recent visit to New Mexico and during my courtesy call on the Governor, Mr. Bill Richardson, we did discuss in general terms the possible ways to increase bilateral trade and interaction between New Mexico and India. Some of the potential areas to be touched upon included the possibility of shooting or producing of Bollywood movies in New Mexico and the possibility of uranium exports to India. You will appreciate that since this was a courtesy call, and there was no need to concretize any outcomes, these remained in the realm of generalities.

I thought Santa Fe was a very beautiful and charming city which has retained its ambience of agelessness. Even today, the Central Square and the surrounding arcade is reminiscent of a possible Santa Fe 400 years ago. Indeed, the people selling the native Indian artifacts thanked me for sharing India's name with them reminding me that Columbus was looking for India and, hence, they were called Indians today. Otherwise, they were apprehensive about the possible name that they might have been carrying!

All in all, I found Sante Fe extremely quaint, charming and endearing. As a location for movies, it would be ideal with its beautiful adobe houses in low rise style. We have to see how best our discussions can be actualized into agreements which would benefit both sides.