Indian record on nuclear non-proliferation "impeccable": Pranab

Bangkok, Sep 14 (UNI) New Delhi has assured Bangkok that India is a responsible nuclear power and Thailand can look forward to its cooperation in nuclear energy sector for peaceful purposes, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here today.

In an apparent reference to the pending nuclear deal with the United States, Mr Mukherjee, however, said before offering any assistance to Thailand, New Delhi needed to put "specific institutional arrangements in place", .

Addressing a press conference with his Thai counterpart after the conclusion of the Fifth India-Thailand Joint Commission here, Mr Mukherjee said both sides had discussed a wide range of bilateral and international issues of mutual concern, including cooperation in nuclear energy and space.

Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said Thailand was "rightly interested in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy" and this issue was among those taken up during the bilateral discussion.

"Thailand has been assured that India's record of non-proliferaton is impeccable," Mr Mukherjee replied to a question adding that, "Our strategic and civilian nuclear energy programmes are in watertight compartments." UNI XC GT VC1700