New Delhi, Feb 28 (ANI): Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon on Thursday said that India is aware of the much-touted Indo-US civil nuclear deals timetable.
“I don’t think we’re looking at deadlines. We know the timetable and we know what we’re trying to do, Menon said after the 6th Indo-US High Technology Cooperation Group meeting.
India must reach an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to place its civilian nuclear reactors under U.N. safeguards, and get clearance from the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group that governs global civilian nuclear trade. After those steps, it must secure a final approval from the U.S. Congress, where it enjoys bipartisan support, which could be complicated procedure due to the November 4 elections, he added.
“We’re still trying to wrap it up with IAEA as soon as possible, Menon said.
India began fifth round of talks with the IAEA for the safeguard agreement in Vienna on Monday.
The agreement would give India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and equipment for the first time in 30 years.
The Indo-US nuke-deal faces an informal US deadline related to securing approval of America’s Congress well before this years presidential polls.
Three steps are required to operationalise the deal that include safeguards agreement with the IAEA, amendment in the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group’s charter and the passing of the 123-agreement by the US Congress. (ANI)