NEW DELHI, March 15: India on Wednesday rejected opposition by the United States to a proposed sale of uranium by Russia for the controversial Tarapur nuclear plant near Mumbai.
In response to questions that US has expressed reservations to Russia’s intention to supply nuclear fuel for Tarapur, an Indian foreign ministry spokesman acknowledged that a US State Department spokesman had said that Russia should not provide uranium to India until the latter has fulfilled its obligations to the United States under the countries’ recent nuclear deal.
“There is no violation of NSG (Nuclear Suppliers’ Group) guidelines and Russia has approached NSG under the safety exception clause. US is aware of the urgent need for fuel for Tarapur,” the Indian spokesman said.
A US State Department spokesman said Russia should not provide uranium to India until the latter has fulfilled its obligations to the United States under the countries’ recent nuclear deal.
The Indian spokesman recalled that India had made a request to the US to supply fuel for Tarapur, but this was not possible under current US laws.
“The July 18 (2005) joint statement has stated that the US will seek to adjust its laws and seek a change in NSG guidelines to enable full civil nuclear cooperation with India, including, fuel supplies for the safeguarded reactors at Tarapur.
“The statement also commits the US, in the meantime, to encourage its partners to consider India’s request for such fuel supplies expeditiously. India has had to seek urgent and limited supplies of uranium fuel to enable Tarapur to continue its operations in safety,” the Indian spokesman said.
The US Congress is currently debating a change in US laws which would enable full civilian nuclear energy cooperation with India.
Once US laws have been amended, India looks forward to the US emerging as a major and reliable partner to India, not only in respect of assured fuel supplies, but for other aspects of civilian nuclear energy cooperation.
