The Hindu Business Line : ‘India, US civil nuclear ties will benefit both’

New beginning
Pact will govern nuclear trade between countries
Will offer enormous strategic, economic benefits
‘Strategic programme will remain unaffected’

Our Bureau

New Delhi, July 27 India and the US today formally announced the conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral accord on civilian nuclear energy co-operation, which will govern nuclear trade between the two countries and open the door for American firms to participate in India’s atomic power programme.

In a joint statement issued simultaneously in New Delhi and Washington, the two Governments said: “Civil nuclear co-operation between the US and India will offer enormous strategic and economic benefits to both countries, including enhanced energy security, a more environmentally-friendly energy source, greater economic opportunities and more robust non-proliferation efforts.”

Speaking to newspersons, National Security Advisor Mr M.K. Narayanan said that all of India’s concerns have been adequately addressed in the agreement and that the strategic programme will remain unaffected, he added. “We have got a very good deal, which we believe should meet individual legal requirements of both the countries.”

He added that the deal upholds India’s rights to reprocess spent fuel in national safeguarded facilities.

India has to reach an agreement with the IAEA on safeguards.

The 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) also has to approve the agreement, after which the US President will submit the text to the US Congress for approval.

Foreign Secretary Mr Shiv Shankar Menon said that once all clearances are in place, civilian nuclear trade is expected to take off.

Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Anil Kakodkar said that he was satisfied with the deal and that there was broad consensus within the scientific community.

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