Indo-US nuclear deal won't impede our Strategic Programme: Saran

Bangalore, Jan 25 (UNI) Allaying fears on the Indo-US Nuclear pact, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special envoy on the nuclear deal, Shyam Saran has said that country's own strategic nuclear programmes will not have any impact from it.

Delivering the second annual Dr Raja Ramanna Memorial Lecture on ''Evolution of India's nuclear policies in the context of changing security perceptions'' at the National Institute of Advanced Studies here yesterday, Mr Saran said that while clinching the nuclear deal, care had been taken not to impede any of India's strategic programme.

He said when India gets into negotiation of the 123 agreement all the apprehensions expressed prior to the Indo-US Nuclear deal would be cleared as all caution had been taken to ensure the sovereignty of the country. ''India has not given any fresh commitment with respect to any limitations including to conduct Nuclear testing,'' he said.

Opining that the proposed collaboration with the US on the critical nuclear technology would end India's technological isolation, Mr Saran said that it would also give impetus to India's capabilities on science and technology.

Later replying to audience question Mr Saran also revealed that India was engaged in development of its own nuclear submarines. He refused to divulge more details on the subject.

UNI