World | India
Delhi hopeful of early IAEA pact
With the clock ticking away for its nuclear deal with the United States, India yesterday said it was "not looking at any deadlines" but was "hopeful" of concluding its safeguards pact with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) soon.
- IANS
- Published: 00:30 February 29, 2008
New Delhi: With the clock ticking away for its nuclear deal with the United States, India yesterday said it was "not looking at any deadlines" but was "hopeful" of concluding its safeguards pact with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) soon.
"We are not looking at deadlines. It takes two hands to clap. We are hoping to wrap it [IAEA pact] up," Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon told reporters on the sidelines of the 6th summit of the India-US high technology cooperation group.
"Like last time, we are hoping to conclude it [the IAEA pact] this time round. When we are there, we will let you know," he replied when asked if he was hopeful of India concluding the safeguards pact with the IAEA at the fifth round of negotiations that are currently on in Vienna.
Although he didn't say in so many words, he hinted the negotiations may take another round to complete due to the complexity of India-specific safeguards arrangement.
"Discussions have taken place on all issues related to a safeguard agreement and during the first four rounds. Substantial progress has been made," Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan told parliament yesterday.
Requirements
"Discussions were scheduled on February 25-27. All efforts are being made to complete the process as soon as possible. However, it is difficult to prejudge when the talks are likely to become a success," he added. The fifth round of talks, which was expected to end on Wednesday, have, however been extended by a day and may last till the end of the week, official sources said.
Asked about the way the negotiations with the IAEA were going, Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar said yesterday: "I am optimistic about it. I will be satisfied provided the results are according to our requirements."
Pressing for an end of the technology denial regime, Menon also made a strong pitch for the US to bring its regulatory and licensing framework for high technology trade in line with the current level of India-US strategic partnership.
The safeguards pact aims at ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply for civilian reactors India will place under safeguards and the right to take corrective action in case the fuel supply is interrupted.
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