New Delhi: Amid strong reservation in New Delhi over the issue of reprocessing of spent fuel, US Energy Secretary Samuel W Bodman arrived in Delhi on Tuesday on a three-day visit for discussions with the Indian leaders on taking the Indo-US nuclear deal forward.
Just ahead of the bilateral talks on the 123 Agreement later this week, Bodman made a strong case for pushing forward the deal to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase the use of alternative sources to achieve energy security.
The crucial talks between the Indian and American experts on the 123 Agreement are likely to pave way for operationalising the nuke deal.
Seeking to allay any apprehensions by India that the deal may be inimical to its interests, the US Energy Secretary said the deal should not be viewed as a "threat in any way to New Delhi's sovereignty or its nuclear programme."
Rather, the opposite is true, Bodman said. "It is a major opportunity, and it is clear that the rest of the world will also benefit from India's active engagement in advancing new nuclear technology and on international non-proliferation efforts," he added.
On Sunday, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman Anil Kakodkar had taken a tough stand on the spent fuel issue, saying India is committed to retaining the right to reprocess the spent fuel and that "this is non-negotiable".
"We want reprocessing rights upfront. Reprocessing is a non-negotiable right," he said ahead of nuclear talks. New Delhi "wants all these issues to be explicitly addressed," Kakodkar, who was one of the main architects of the deal, said.
Bodman didn't raise the issue of reprocessing. But he did underline that "the pact is good for India, good for the United States and good for our mutual energy security."
Stating that "India and the United States need each other", the official went on to elucidate the benefits of such an engagement.
"India is a world-class designer, developer and builder of new nuclear technology. The talent and creativity of your scientific community is unsurpassed. India's achievements are truly remarkable given that it has pursued these advances independent of the larger international community.
"Therefore, it is clear that the United States has much to learn and much to gain from greater cooperation with India," Bodman pointed out.
"At the same time, the US is home to the world's most powerful economy, and home to some of the world's most advanced industries. We too have made great advances in technology, safety and security that can greatly benefit India in this arena," he stated.
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