India-China to cooperate in civil nuclear energy

Beijing, Jan 14 (UNI) India and China today decided to cooperate in civil nuclear energy consistent with their respective international commitments.

The deal figured prominently in the ''joint vision document for 21st century'' signed between the two countriers.

The document was signed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao.

According to sources, China will have cooperatioin with India in the peaceful use of nuclear energy within the IAEA safeguards.

''As two countries with advanced scientific capabilities, we pledge to promote bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy consistent with our respective international commitments, which will contribuite to energy security and deal with risks associated with climate change.'' Foreign Secreatry Shiv Shankar Menon, in reply to a question about the proposed deal, said India had not asked any NSG member for their support so far for their Indo-US nuclear deal.

The document said the two sides hailed the opportunity for their outstanding scientists to work together in the international thermonuclear experiment reactor (ITER) project, which is of great potential signifcance in meeting the global energy challenge in an enviormentally sustainable manner.

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