Date:07/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/07/stories/2008120759880800.htm

National

More nuclear reactors planned on coast

Sandeep Dikshit

Moscow providing assistance to build two reactors at Kudankulam
Russia will back India’s battle against terrorism

NEW DELHI: Apart from constructing four more nuclear power plants at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu, Russia is discussing the possibility of constructing 10 reactors near the eastern coast, Russian Ambassador to India Vyacheslav Ivanovish Trubnikov told journalists here on Saturday.

“The agreement to construct four new reactors is not the end of the story,” he said, adding that Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had agreed to keep open the prospects of building more nuclear power plants in other parts of the country. Currently Russia is providing technical assistance to construct two reactors at Kudankulam.

The location of these reactors was under consideration and it “depends on the decision of the Indian government where Russian assistance will be required.” Mr. Trubnikov said all future contacts would be “all inclusive,” meaning they will come with guaranteed life-time fuel supplies.

“By the time we start striking contracts, it [fuel supply] will be in the text of the contracts,” he said, pointing out that there was no question of India doubting fuel supply assurances since Russia had even helped supply a different type of fuel for the Tarapore plants.

In response to a question on the option of a military strike — a staple at every diplomatic news conference after the Mumbai terror attacks — the Ambassador pointed out that Dr. Singh had chosen the correct path by seeking to involve the world community in the battle against senseless terrorism. Russia would continue to support India’s initiative wholeheartedly, he assured.

While “understanding” the feelings in India after the Mumbai attacks, Mr. Trubnikov did not think that ending dialogue was a better option. Indian should discuss with the democratic government of Pakistan ways to deal with the menace of terrorism. Exchange of information and transparency of measures taken by Pakistan should be the steps in this direction. “The stronger the government in Pakistan, the easier it is to deal with this activity. First of all, the Pakistan government must be strengthened.”

Taking a personal view, the Ambassador did not see any reason why the U.N. Security Council would not discuss the issue. But the proof from the Indian side of Pakistani involvement must be “absolutely pucca,” he added.