The Hindu : Front Page : ``Breaking out of isolation to meet energy needs''

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jul 21, 2005

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``Breaking out of isolation to meet energy needs''

N. Ravi

Manmohan defends nuclear energy deal with U.S.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addresses a press conference in Washington on Wednesday. — PHOTO: PTI

WASHINGTON D.C.: At the conclusion of his four-day visit to the United States, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the nuclear energy agreement with the U.S. was a way forward for India to break out of its present isolation and expand international cooperation to meet its energy needs.

At the same time, it did not in any way lead to a diminution of the strategic nuclear capabilities that could affect the national security interests, he asserted in his remarks at a press conference. The two countries had agreed on reciprocal commitments, which would be addressed in a phased manner. A carefully selected working group would determine how best progress can be made in the matters reflected in the joint statement.

Asked about the criticism of the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, of the decision to separate civilian from military nuclear facilities, Dr. Singh said he had not read the statement but if Mr. Vajpayee had said that, it was based on a misconception. The separation between civilian and strategic facilities would be a national decision based on India's own security concerns, and its autonomy in matters of strategic interests would be protected.

``Misconceptions'' about nature of obligations

In reply to a question whether the obligations listed in the joint statement were balanced in the light of the U.S. administration having to go to Congress or the Nuclear Suppliers Group to keep its part while India would do things straightaway, Dr. Singh said there were misconceptions about the nature of obligations. India had taken on obligations fully on the basis of reciprocity and only if the U.S. did its part would it be called upon to implement them. It was not true that the agreement was one-sided.

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