Indian nuclear program to continue irrespective of US deal
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
New Delhi, Sept 13, IRNA
India-Nuclear Program
Indian Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar has said that the nuclear program will be pursued undeterred irrespective of the Indo-US nuclear deal coming through.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony for the Emergency Response Center at the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research in Bangalore, he said the two countries had held wide ranging discussions on the modalities of the nuclear fuel deal and also some specific discussions with International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) with regard to India's specific efforts.
"We have identified separation plan which has been discussed and agreed upon by the two countries. We are more or less done on approval of the deal. However, now US Congress will have to amend its laws to pass a guideline with regard to nuclear fuel suppliers, so that nuclear cooperation between India and the US can start. The process has to progress in the US Congress technically and we are awaiting the outcome of this process," he said.
Kakodkar, categorically stated that if the agreement was reached, it would be done soon. "If the agreement doesn't come through, don't bother, the Indian civil nuclear program will continue," he said.
India has set up 18 radiation emergency response centers in different parts of the country to deal with any nuclear emergencies which can occur due to an act of terror, nuclear attack, transportation of nuclear materials and accidents in nuclear facilities.
"These centers will be in a position to give any advice and support to the civil administrators and first responders regarding rescue and rehabilitation following any suspected presence of radioactive material in the public domain," he said.
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