WASHINGTON, March 13: India circumvents other countries’ export controls and leaks sensitive technology in procuring materials for its nuclear programmes, according to a report by former UN weapons inspector David Albright.

Mr Albright, a physicist who heads the think-tank Institute for Science and International Security, said that his organisation had uncovered a “well-developed, active and secret Indian programme” that belied the claim and demanded a close scrutiny of Indian procurement and export practices before the US and other countries engaged in nuclear cooperation with India.

Mr Albright’s charges came amid an intensifying battle in Washington over the nuclear deal.

Mr Albright said he had “uncovered a well-developed and secret Indian programme to outfit its uranium enrichment programme and circumvent other countries’ export control efforts.”

The report, co-authored by researcher Susan Basu, said when India seeks bids for nuclear-related equipment, it allows prospective suppliers to buy blueprints and manufacturing instructions for a particular item. Company officials could then sell the item or related technology to other customers.

A State Department spokesman, Tom Casey, said the department would review Mr Albright’s report but stressed: “India has developed a solid nuclear non-proliferation export record over the years.”

Mr Albright said Indian Rare Earths Ltd. of Mumbai, under direction of India’s Department of Atomic Energy, procures sensitive materials and technology for a secret gas centrifuge uranium enrichment plant and does not reveal to foreign suppliers that the plant is not subject to international monitoring.