India hopeful of NSG approval, IAEA to meet on Aug 1: Mukherjee

New Delhi, Jul 24 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board will meet on August 1 to consider approval of the India-specific safeguards agreement and expressed hope that the Indo-US nuclear deal will also get the nod of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

''It would be too premature to comment right now. We have to get the approval from IAEA Board, which is meeting on August 1,'' Mr Mukherjee told reporters when asked about the time frame for completion of the deal.

Asked whether he was confident of getting NSG support, he said, ''We hope that we will get the support of all countries.'' After the IAEA clearance, India will have to get exemption from the NSG before the US Congress could be approached for ratification of the deal.

UNI MP RP AS1737