Britain hopes for early civil nuclear deal with India

New Delhi, Dec 22 (PTI) Keen to have civil nuclear
agreement with India, the UK Tuesday expressed confidence that
such a pact would be in place soon, enabling New Delhi to
receive British products and skills.

British Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and
Skills Peter Mandelson, who is here on a visit, said he hoped
a joint declaration in this regard would be issued Tuesday but
it could not happen for "reasons, I understand".
"I think both India and UK are keen to promote greater
civil nuclear cooperation, which will certainly help India,
benefit India to have that relationship with Britain," he told
reporters in response to a question on the issue.
Negotiations are underway between the two countries to
firm up a civil nuclear deal, which could be the eighth that
India would sign since Nuclear Suppliers Group lifted
34-year-old ban on it last year.
"We will do so soon in the coming weeks," Mandelson
said.
"We have excellent nuclear supply chain, excellent
products and skills and ability to manage large civil nuclear
projects," he added.
Asked whether the UK would be a supplier of fuel or
technology, Mandelson said the agreement would cover the range
of inputs and activities involved in this sector.
"First of all, we are making a declaration in setting
up (civil nuclear) cooperation. I would like that to be
followed with specific agreement as quickly as possible," he
said. PTI RK
ANU


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