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U.S. to brief NSG today

VIENNA: The 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), whose endorsement is crucial to operationalising the India-United States nuclear deal, will be briefed about the deal by the U.S. here on Thursday.

The U.S., which is pushing hard to implement the deal, is expected to explain the importance of change of NSG guidelines to allow international nuclear trade with India.

In the backdrop of political sensitivities back home, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chief Anil Kakodkar is unlikely to attend the meeting.

India has to reach a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) soon and secure changes in NSG laws to get the deal going.

Facing questions from Indian reporters here, Dr. Kakodkar emphasised that it was the U.S.’ responsibility to get NSG exemption for India.

Dr. Kakodkar, who is attending the IAEA General Conference, underpinned the importance of operationalising the deal expeditiously. “It is in everybody’s interest to conclude the nuclear deal sooner than later.”

“Everyone in the nuclear community wants early negotiations between India and the IAEA as also the NSG to implement the deal,” he said.

But the top nuclear scientist made no direct mention on whether he will discuss the India-specific safeguards agreements with the IAEA during his current visit. “My lips are sealed on anything to do with the India-specific safeguards.”

In Washington, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher said the U.S. was trying to do its part with the NSG by way of providing answers to questions.

“I think both India and the United States have a role in that,” he said.

“But the timing of all these... and how we are going to bring it to fruition is a little bit unclear,” Mr. Boucher said. — PTI

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U.S. to brief NSG today

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