Date:14/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/14/stories/2006091408861200.htm

National

Nuclear programme will continue: Kakodkar

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The Indian nuclear programme will continue whether or not the deal with the U.S. comes through, Anil Kakodkar, Atomic Energy Commission Chairman and Department of Atomic Energy Secretary, said on Wednesday.

He was speaking to presspersons after inaugurating an Emergency Response Centre at the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research.

Dr. Kakodkar said the two countries had held wide-ranging discussions on the modalities of the deal, including discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency. India's nuclear programme was linked to three factors — sustaining fossil fuel reserves, heavy pricing of hydrocarbons, and global climatic problems. There was global interest in its nuclear programme as India was an advanced nuclear technology country. Nuclear technology could contribute to world energy requirements, and India was known to be a safe and responsible nuclear player.

"We have identified a separation plan, which has been discussed and agreed upon by the two countries. We are close to getting approval of the deal. However, the U.S. Congress will have to amend its laws to pass a guideline with regard to nuclear fuel suppliers, so that nuclear cooperation between the two countries can begin," he said.

There would be no changes in the framework of the deal. "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has spelt out all the elements in his statement in Parliament." India would look after its interest of carrying on with domestic research and development programmes, as the country was keen on opening up its three-stage nuclear programme to its full potential.

"We should be able to carry out our strategic programme, especially with regard to national security, as has been recognised in the July 18 agreement. However, we are also keen on international civil nuclear cooperation to ensure that we get additional energy resources through nuclear power," Dr. Kakodkar said.

On recycling spent fuel, he said spent fuel could not remain so in perpetuity. The country had adopted a close nuclear fuel cycle model, which was getting broader world recognition as the correct strategy for managing spent fuel. As for the controversy over uranium mining in Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Kakodkar said that by and large there was support for mining. "Only a small section is opposed to the uranium mining, probably because it is misinformed or inadequately informed."