US looking beyond civilian nuclear relationship with India

New Delhi, Feb 1 (UNI) The United States is looking beyond the July 18, 2005, Civilian Nuclear Agreement with India to a longer range of bilateral relationship and is showcasing its most modern machines and equipment at the upcoming 'Aero India 2006' international air show at Bangalore from February 7-11.

A ''much bigger'' contingent of 20 US companies with far greater capacities in men and machines including couple of F-15s, three F-16s and two F-18s, will participate in the five-day air show indicating fulfilment of a major commitment by the US Defence industry and the considerable importance the US attaches to relations with India, US Ambassador to India David C Mulford said at a press conference here today.

A host of US dignitaries including former Defence Secretary William Cohen, will visit Infia on the occasion, he said.

Asserting that both countries had crossed ''more than half way'' towards full implementation of the Civilian Nuclear Agreement, Mr Mulford said there was now the necessity for India to negotiate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The two countries also had to negotiate the 123 Agreement even as India was in touch with countries of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

He, however, said the two countries were still away from completion of the agreemeent.

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