India must in N-energy club: Russia

Russia today sought exception for India in the global nuclear non-proliferation regime in view of its “impeccable and unblemished”...

Russia today sought exception for India in the global nuclear non-proliferation regime in view of its “impeccable and unblemished” record and welcomed its engagement with US in the field of civilian nuclear energy.

“There is a need for making exception for India in the global nuclear non-proliferation regime including the rules of Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as New Delhi has impeccable and unblemished non-proliferation record,” chief of Russia’s Federal Atomic Energy Agency Alexander Rumyantsev said.

“Unlike some countries, Indian nuclear programme is purely indigenous. The adoption of domestic law on weapons of mass destruction and their delivery system in March by Indian Parliament virtually replicates the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT),” he added.

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He also hailed the Indo-US engagement in the field of civilian nuclear technology and termed it a “positive development.” He said Russia considers India as the most prospective market for atomic power generation and is keen to build some more atomic reactors under the ongoing Kudankulam Atomic Power Project in Tamil Nadu.

“However, our hands are tied due to NSG regulations. NSG, in which the US plays dominant role, should take into account India’s growing energy needs and make exception for New Delhi,” Rumyantsev said.

India and Russia have been discussing the issue of construction of additional nuclear power units and the matter was high on the agenda during PM Manmohan Singh’s talks with Russia President Vladimir Putin here in May. The issue was followed up during President Abdul Kalam’s visit later in the same month.

Putin is understood to have assured Indian leaders that he would take up the matter with us President Bush and other leaders of NSG. —PTI