Date:07/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/07/stories/2008090754060800.htm

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Unique development, says Pranab

Special Correspondent

“NSG waiver a major landmark in India’s quest for energy security”

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said the decision of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) “will open a new chapter in India’s cooperation with other countries in peaceful uses of nuclear energy.”

Asserting that the final outcome of the NSG meeting in Vienna fully met India’s expectations, Mr. Mukherjee said it was consistent with the government policy and the national consensus on disarmament and non-proliferation.

“The NSG waiver is a unique development that has been achieved in accordance with commitments given to Parliament and the people of India, and is consistent with India’s national interest,” Mr. Mukherjee said in a statement, which he read out at a press conference at his South Block office.

He was flanked by Atomic Energy Commission chief Anil Kakodkar and National Security Adviser M. K. Narayanan. The Minister expressed the government’s deep appreciation of the untiring efforts of the U.S., France, the United Kingdom and Russia throughout the process. He also appreciated the support received from the present and previous Chairs of the NSG – Germany, South Africa and Brazil.

Mr. Mukherjee said the NSG waiver would enable India to resume full civil nuclear cooperation with the international community to meet its energy and developmental requirements. It also constituted a major landmark in India’s quest for energy security.

He noted that the process, which had culminated in the NSG adopting a clean waiver, commenced three years ago with the initiative of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President George Bush through the July 18, 2005 joint statement.

He said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted an India-specific safeguards agreement this August 1, and thanked IAEA Director General Mohammed El Baradei and all members of the IAEA.

“Long journey”

“The journey has not only been long but required several steps to be taken sequentially, including intense bilateral negotiations with the members of the IAEA and NSG.” Mr. Mukherjee said.

The “landmark achievement” was the direct outcome of the vision, personal commitment and guidance provided by the Prime Minister, he pointed out.