Nuke deal to open new pathways: PM

{image-MAnmohan singh_15082008.jpg news.oneindia.in}New Delhi, Aug 15: Stressing that nuclear deal will benefit the 'aam aadmi', Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday, Aug 15 said it would also open up new 'pathways' to accelerate industrialisation and end 34 years of international nuclear isolation. Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 61st Independence Day, he highlighted the importance of nuclear energy to meet the twin challenge of energy security and climate change, and said it would enable the country to provide electricity to meet the needs of farmers, artisans, traders and the industry.

In an attempt to project the deal not just an agreement with the US but with the leading powers of the world, Dr Singh said, "the nuclear agreement that we are negotiating with developed countries will end India's nuclear isolation." It was because of this reason that he had not made any particular reference throughout his hour-long speech to the Indo-US Nuclear deal, an issue on which the government sought a trust vote last month after the Left Parties withdrew their support.

"It will open up new opportunities for trade in dual-use high technologies and nuclear materials and equipment, opening up new pathways to accelerate industrialisation of our country," he said ahead of the crucial August 21-22 meeting of the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to decide on waiving its guidelines to restore global nuclear trade with India.

He said modern science and technology must be applied to find a long term solution to the rising energy needs, especially in the context of the crude oil and gas reserves being limited.

UNI