India, US likely to sign 123 Agreement on Saturday
03 Oct 2008
India and the US are expected to formalise their landmark civilian nuclear cooperation accord on Saturday in a signing ceremony at the Hyderabad House after talks between Indian external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee and visiting US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice. The accord comes into existence after intense negotiations between both parties over a period of three years, including path breaking international moves and strong domestic dissent.
US president George W Bush is likely to make a presidential signing statement later Friday night.
The formal signing of the 123 bilateral agreement will be a historic moment as it will mark the restoration of civil nuclear commerce between both countries after a gap of 34 years. The United States had suspended nuclear transactions with India after this country conducted its first nuclear test in1974.
Arriving here Saturday morning, Rice is expected to call on prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and discuss implementation of commitments as envisaged in the 123 pact and also ways to expand bilateral relationships.
Ahead of her visit, Rice has underlined that the India-US civil nuclear deal was part of a much broader framework for enduring friendship between the two countries and reflects the emergence of India on the global stage.
"They will discuss a wide range of issues, including the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative, trade, counter-terrorism, human rights, religious freedom, and education," state department spokesperson Sean McCormack informed the media in Washington.
Rice is also slated to meet opposition leader LK Advani.
She leaves for Kazakhstan Sunday after wrapping up her day-long visit to India.
