Indo-US N-deal is for India only: Boucher

New Delhi, Oct 3: US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher says the Indo-US nuclear deal is a unique arrangement made for India alone. "We have always said that this is a unique arrangement based on India's needs, India's developments, based on India's non-proliferation record. This has to do with India and no body else," Boucher adds. This comment came about after Pakistan had asked for a similar deal which was later rejected.

"Let's stop for a moment and celebrate before we start discussing the bits and pieces of it. Essentially what this legislation does is, it lets us go forward and let us ratify the deal and finish it up. It gives us the approval of our Congress. Let's just put the deal into effect," Boucher says. India and US can now engage in nuclear trade after a three-decade nuclear isolation of India.

"The bill that went through the Congress authorises us to finalise and finish off 123 text and to put it into effect. That's what is going to be in effect. Those are the commitments and we stand by our commitments," he says.

Under the amendment, India must separate its civil and military nuclear facilities, and submit civil facilities to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The agreement means other countries can sell India nuclear technology and fuel. India has already signed a civil nuclear cooperation deal with France on Sep 30.

Rice warns India

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice statement on Thursday, Oct 2 brought forth heavy reactions in India. She said, nuclear test by India will result in 'more serious consequences'.

"Every country has its internal decision making process. We do not wish to comment on that. We are concerned with 123 Agreement text. We have declared voluntary moratorium on nuclear test and we will make all efforts to bind by it," Pranab Mukherjee said.

OneIndia News