The United States continues to support India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) irrespective of what the other countries like China say and this was a commitment made by President Obama to the Indian leadership six years ago, said its Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma.
“We have reiterated our support many times at the highest possible levels, but there are ongoing discussions within the group, so I do not want to go into its detail. It will have no impact on our civil nuclear deal and we are committed to it,” he affirmed, while addressing a press conference here on Friday.
Nuclear plants
Pointing out to the deal signed between the countries to build six Westinghouse Electric Company nuclear plants to be established in Andhra Pradesh, he said: It was a momentous occasion. Survey work has commenced and full contract could be finalised by middle of next year.
The Indo-US partnership was a defining partnership of the 21{+s}{+t}century and “when they come together, the world will be a safer and prosperous place,” he said.
Recent pacts on cooperation and collaborative efforts in defence and space arenas were an indication of how far both the countries have travelled in terms of technology transfers. “The subject of technology transfer has come across the board but a lot of it has come down, we are now talking of manufacturing fighter planes and aircraft carriers,” he said.
Mr. Verma said India played a major role in the success of the Paris meet on climate change and this was endorsed by Mr. Obama himself. “The best part is every country has come to Paris with its own affordable targets, so transparency becomes very important,” he said. The US is also working with the Indian Government and States towards making the admission process into the American universities little more rigorous in terms of adequate funds and make it tough for unscrupulous agents to take advantage, he said. The Ambassador said it has to be ensured that wherever fraud in the system; students should be alerted and stopped before reaching the port of entry.
