Up to India to pass liability law: Blake

A senior U.S. official said on Saturday that the liability law was an important component of the India-U.S. civil nuclear partnership, and it was up to the Indian government to find ways of passing it in Parliament.

“The nuclear liability law is an important part of the partnership. But it is up to India to determine the mechanics of passage of the legislation. So I will leave that to them to see how that would proceed,” Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake said here.

During the first half of the Budget Session, which concluded recently, the government listed the Civil Nuclear Liability Bill for introduction, but withdrew it at the last moment.

Maintaining that there was progress in tying up the loose ends of the civil nuclear deal, such as a pact on reprocessing sought by New Delhi, Mr. Blake said the liability law would be an enabler for U.S. companies, which were “excited” about the prospects of establishing reactors in India.

“There are a number of American companies which are excited about the prospects of establishing reactors in India and helping to develop the civil nuclear energy capabilities in your great country.”

India has allocated two civil nuclear reactor parks in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat for U.S.-origin companies.