123 agreement reflects “deepening relationship”

Following the completion of negotiations surrounding the question of reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, the United States on Wednesday said it considers the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement a “reflection of the deepening of our relationship.”

At a press briefing at the State Department, Assistant Secretary Philip Crowley said the 123 Agreement is in the interest of both the U.S. and India, and has broader impact as well. “It was an agreement that required some follow-up, some detail… and some brilliant diplomacy,” Mr. Crowley said.

On the implications for a “broader, deeper, and expanded” U.S.-India relationship, he said, “I think anytime that you not only reach an agreement but then can see it begin to be enacted, that develops trust and confidence on both sides.”

He added that to conclude the negotiations on reprocessing, the administration had advised Congress on the deal and likewise, the Indian Government worked through the issues.

PTI reports :

Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Ellen Tauscher, pointed to the significant and prized relationship between the two countries.

“We’re very happy to see that this agreement is moving forward, and the reprocessing agreement is one piece of a very large 123 Agreement, and we’re happy to see that it’s moved forward,” Tauscher said.

Later in the day, the State Department released the text of the arrangements and procedures agreed between India and the United States.

The advanced consent agreement, the third such pact ever undertaken by the U.S. with another country, grants India advance consent to reprocess spent fuel of U.S. origin and fuel burned in U.S. reactors.