UN hails Indian-US nuclear cooperation agreement

UN atomic watchdog hails Indian-US nuclear cooperation agreement

The civil nuclear cooperation agreement reached today between India and the United States is a milestone that could consolidate efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear arms and combat nuclear terrorism, the United Nations agency entrusted with curbing such weapons proliferation said in a statement welcoming the deal.

This agreement is an important step towards satisfying India´s growing need for energy, including nuclear technology and fuel, as an engine for development,” International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei declared.

It would also bring India closer as an important partner in the non-proliferation regime. It would be a milestone, timely for ongoing efforts to consolidate the non-proliferation regime, combat nuclear terrorism and strengthen nuclear safety,” he added.

The agreement between the two countries, both of them nuclear weapons states, was announced in New Delhi by United States President George W. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“The agreement would assure India of reliable access to nuclear technology and nuclear fuel,” Mr. ElBaradei said. “It would also be a step forward towards universalization of the international safeguards regime. This agreement would serve the interests of both India and the international community.”

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