Remarks to the media by MEA Official Spokesperson on developments relating to the civil nuclear initiative

New Delhi
September 11, 2008

In view of the public interest in developments relating to our civil nuclear initiative, I can inform you that following the NSG statement which enables civil nuclear cooperation by NSG members with India, Government is taking steps to realize commercial cooperation with foreign partners in this field. We have informed the USA about our intent to source state of the art nuclear technologies and facilities based on the provisions of the 123 Agreement from the US. Government is also moving towards finalizing bilateral agreements with other friendly partner countries such as France and Russia. While actual cooperation will commence after bilateral agreements like the 123 Agreement come into force, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India has already commenced a preliminary dialogue with US companies in this regard.