Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007
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Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Tuesday, Aug 14, 2007 ePaper |
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Foreign Relations Government - Politics Industry & Economy - Power Nuclear deal: ‘No compromise on India’s interests’
Dr Manmohan Singh
Our Bureau New Delhi, Aug. 13 Amid protests from the Opposition and Left allies, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, mounted a strong defence of the Indo-US civilian nuclear energy co-operation deal on Monday, claiming the pact can “potentially transform India’s economic prospects.” He categorically asserted that the agreement does not in any way inhibit India’s strategic autonomy or capabilities. In a suo motu statement in Parliament that was drowned out by the din of protests, Dr Singh said the deal gave India the right to reprocess spent nuclear fuel, did not require annual American certification or in any way affect India ’s right to undertake future nuclear tests and ensured permanent fuel supplies. He also said the “modest” nuclear power capacity target of 20,000 MW set for 2020 could be as much as doubled if there is international co-operation. The historic deal, besides being the cornerstone of a new friendship between New Delhi and Washington, would further open “new doors in capitals across the world”, he said. India would carry forward co-operation with other major nuclear suppliers such as Russia and France as well, he added. The Prime Minister said India’s right to pursue its three-stage nuclear programme remained undiluted. He also rejected contentions that the deal would allow Washington to influence India’s foreign policy. Maintaining that the agreement has been negotiated as an equal partner with the US, the he asserted the deal did not, in any way, affect India’s right to undertake future nuclear tests. He said the agreement provided for full civil nuclear co-operation that would include nuclear reactors and the aspects of the associated nuclear fuel cycle, including technology transfer for industrial or commercial use.
Related Stories: US stakes in nuclear deal Left keeps ‘options open’ on support to Govt US commits to assurances regarding fuel supplies ‘Nuke deal completion to boost further Indo-US ties’ More Stories on : Foreign Relations | Politics | Power
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