US, India complete talks on nuclear deal
Saturday, 28 July 2007
WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI, July 27 (Reuters): The United States and India said on Friday they have completed negotiations on a nuclear cooperation deal that would offer enormous benefits for both sides.
But neither country gave details of the long-delayed, controversial accord and acknowledged critical steps must be taken before it can be implemented.
The pact, approved by India's cabinet on Wednesday, would allow India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and equipment for the first time in 30 years, even though New Delhi refused to join non-proliferation pacts and tested nuclear weapons.
"The conclusion of negotiations on this agreement marks a major step forward in fulfilling the promise of full civil nuclear cooperation as envisioned by President (George W.) Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh," said the statement, issued by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Indian Foreign Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
"Civil nuclear cooperation between the United States 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 nonproliferation efforts," they said.
But before cooperation can begin, India must negotiate an inspection regime for its nuclear facilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency and win approval from the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group.
But neither country gave details of the long-delayed, controversial accord and acknowledged critical steps must be taken before it can be implemented.
The pact, approved by India's cabinet on Wednesday, would allow India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and equipment for the first time in 30 years, even though New Delhi refused to join non-proliferation pacts and tested nuclear weapons.
"The conclusion of negotiations on this agreement marks a major step forward in fulfilling the promise of full civil nuclear cooperation as envisioned by President (George W.) Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh," said the statement, issued by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Indian Foreign Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
"Civil nuclear cooperation between the United States 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 nonproliferation efforts," they said.
But before cooperation can begin, India must negotiate an inspection regime for its nuclear facilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency and win approval from the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group.