'Indo-US civil nuclear deal not US-centric'

Lucknow, Nov 16 (UNI) The Indo-US civil nuclear deal was not US-centric and does not compromise on India's future energy needs or interests, Prime Minister's Special Envoy on the nuclear deal Shayam Saran said today.

''The nuclear deal should not only be seen in the light of India's burgeoning energy requirements, but in the perspective of international nuclear energy commerce too,'' Mr Saran said.

The former foreign secretary noted that the civil nuclear deal with the US was necessary to bring about a change in the perception of the international community about India, especially after the Pokharan nuclear tests by the country in May, 1998.

Advocating the use of nuclear technology for meeting the country's energy needs as opposed to fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources, he asserted that by 2030-31, India's energy need was expected to touch 8,00,000 MW.

''Even if all the available energy sources such as coal, hydro, thermal, oil and gas and other non-conventional sources are harnessed, there would still be a yawning gap,'' he warned stressing the de-carbonisation of the economy with the use of environment-friendly sources of energy.

''Therefore, it was imperative to look towards newer and cleaner sources of energy, which would also be sustainable,'' Mr Saran added.

Mr Saran was here to address the Lucknow Management Association (LMA) Convention 2007 on 'Making of a Modern&Prosperous State -- Challenges&Strategies'.

He said India had developed a credible regulatory mechanism with regard to nuclear energy and the country had all the options open to pursue any policy framework in this regard, which suits its long term interests and energy security.

UNI