By NNN-PTI,
Washington : India can count on reliable fuel supply for its civilian nuclear reactors and will have “advance consent” to reprocessing, President George W Bush declared here as he signed into law the legislation on the “big” Indo-US nuclear deal.
External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will ink the 123 Agreement with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice tomorrow evening (0130 hrs IST Saturday), concluding the deal after tough negotiations spanning three years.
“It’s a big deal,” Bush said in a statement during the signing ceremony for the HR7081 bill at the White House’s ornate East Room, adding “we (India and the US) are natural partners as we head into the 21st century.” “This legislation does not change the fuel assurance commitments that the US government has made to the Government of India as recorded in the 123 Agreement,” he said.
Bush’s remarks came against the backdrop of concerns expressed by India over fuel supplies following his Administration’s assertion that the assurances were only political commitments and not legally binding.
“The Agreement grants India advance consent to reprocessing which will be brought into effect upon conclusion of arrangements and procedures for a dedicated reprocessing facility under IAEA safeguards,” Bush said.
The US President has “exceeded our expectations on each and every issue” and has contributed in an “extraordinary manner,” Indian Ambassador to the US, Ronen Sen, told reporters, describing the law as a “new beginning” in bilateral ties.