By Bernama,
Toyako : US President George W. Bush said the cooperation between the United States of America (USA) and India in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, would benefit both countries, Itar-Tass news agency reported Wednesday.
Speaking after his meeting with Indian Premier Manmohan Singh on Wednesday, Bush said they had discussed the situation concerning a nuclear power agreement, which was proposed three years ago, and is under fire for both USA and India.
Meanwhile, the Indian Prime Minister emphasized that India and USA must address the urgent problems by acting shoulder to shoulder, especially on the nuclear energy issue.
A document on cooperation in nuclear power engineering, which was prepared in the middle of 2007, that enables American companies to supply nuclear fuel and equipment to India.
That document suspended in the balance owing to the stance of India’s Left-Wing parties that oppose rapprochement with the USA.
The Left-Wing leaders vowed that they would prevent such a deal from taking effect, for this deal, in their view, encroaches upon national interests.
Critics in America express concern that such a treaty with India would provoke a nuclear arms race in Asia.
Washington also cautioned New Delhi that the agreement might not fit into America’s political schedule: prior to the document’s referral to the US Senate for endorsement, India is yet to reach agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Group of Nuclear Suppliers on the lifting of the current restrictions on cooperation in the nuclear sphere.