Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 29 (IANS) Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Washington, US Ambassador Timothy J.Roemer Monday announced the finalisation of a pact with India on re-processing US-origin spent nuclear fuel, a crucial step that will enable the two countries to implement their “historic” nuclear deal.
The two countries have finalised negotiations on “arrangements and procedures” for re-processing US-origin spent nuclear fuel, the US envoy said, while lauding India’s “outstanding track record on non-proliferation issues”.

“This important step is part of the great, win-win narrative of the US-India global partnership, affirming the commitment of our two countries to realise the full potential of our landmark civil nuclear agreement,” he said.

These arrangements, the envoy pointed out, will enable Indian re-processing of US-obligated nuclear material under IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards.

Setting a positive tone for Manmohan Singh’s visit to Washington to attend the April 12-13 Nuclear Security Summit, the ambassador said the US recognised that Prime Minister Singh shared President Barack Obama’s bold vision for a nuclear weapons-free world.

“We applaud India’s outstanding track record on non-proliferation issues, and we look forward to our continuing cooperation in this area,” he said.

The pact was finalised after the third round of negotiations early March between India’s Department of Atomic Energy officials led by R.B. Grover and the US delegation led by Richard Stratford, the non-proliferation and disarmament expert in the State Department.

The Indian government, on its part, is pushing hard for passing in this session of parliament the Civil Nuclear Liabilities Bill that limits damages to be paid by foreign nuclear companies in case of nuclear accidents.

The two sides held their first round of negotiations in July last year. Under the 123 agreement, they were required to conclude the agreement within a year of beginning the negotiations.