Criticism to civil nuclear coop treaty exaggerated: Srinivasan

Bangalore,Jan31 (PTI) Former Atomic Energy CommissionChairman M R Srinivasan today termed the various objectionsthat were raised against the Indo-US civil nuclear cooperationtreaty as "highly exaggerated and politically driven".

Addressing a seminar on "Energy options for a greenerfuture" organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) here, he said certain objections that were raisedagainst the agreement that by signing the treaty India wouldlose its independent foreign policy was "highly exaggeratedand politically driven".

"One must remember that in the agreement, no limit has beenplaced on India''s nuclear weapon capability",Srinivasan said.

"We can build any amount of nuclear power stations", hesaid, adding "nuclear weapons are made never to be used. Howmany can India make", thereby emphasizing that transfer ofnuclear technology would not adversely affect India which"still will be suitably equipped to take care of its ownneeds".

Srinivasan called upon industries to play pivotalrole as a supplier of nuclear equipment and designs.

On private participation for production of nuclear power,he said "it is a complex technology, lot of risk taking isinvolved. Time is not ripe for it as yet".

Srinivasan, however, suggested that they (private firms)could come in as minority partners with Nuclear PowerCorporation.