The Hindu : National : Agreement on timely delivery

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 04, 2007
ePaper

National

National

Agreement on timely delivery

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: In civil nuclear cooperation agreement between India and the United States, both sides have “accepted” the need to ensure timely delivery schedules and prescribed a timetable for processing import-export requests and resolving “differences.” The transfer of dual use items is virtually banned (“subject to applicable U.S. laws”), while amendments to the agreement would be required to allow the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology and facilities and heavy water production technology and facilities.

The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to create the necessary conditions for India to have assured and full access to fuel from third countries and agreed to incorporate a similar provision when the amendments to the U.S. Atomic Energy Act are put to Congress for approval.

The negotiation of the agreement now allows India to finalise a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It would approach the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for its unanimous approval. Once these actions are completed, U.S. President George Bush would seek the approval of Congress.

India has already held discussions with the IAEA on the India-specific safeguards agreement and would now carry the process into the decisive stage. As for the second step, India has already initiated consultations with NSG members, the most recent being at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting this week in Manila. A U.S. chamber of commerce anticipates $100-billion worth of opportunity from the re-opening of India’s nuclear sector to foreign companies and countries.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National