US seeks early ratification of nuclear treaty; demands its share of N-trade

Even as the ink dries on the Indo-US nuclear deal, pressure seems to be building on India to sign the safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency and ratify the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage. The UPA government, under fire from various quarters is reportedly going slow on the issue, though it has given clear assurances to the US that it will sign on the dotted lines.

The US, which will have to compete with French and Russian firms for sale of nuclear hardware and technology, appears to be in a hurry to conclude the steps and clear the way for the entry of US firms into the nuclear supplies market in India. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission chairman Dale Klein said as much at a press conference asking India to ratify the convention. "US firms and others would like India to be a part of the convention", he said.

The Indian government has reportedly handed over to the US government a letter of intent for the purchase of reactors of at least 10,000 MW of power generating capacity and has also earmarked two sites for US firms. Addressing a press conference, US ambassador David C Mulford, an active player in the complex process of hammering out the nuclear deal, alluded to the need to ensure the "right conditions' for US firms to trade and participate in the commerical nuclear energy industry in India. Further,  elaborating on the US position, he pointed out that to build a world class civil nuclear industry in Inda, a true political commitment to excellence is necessary.

Countering criticism of US firms getting preferntial treatment, he pointed out that the US  was at the forefront of nuclear know-how and technology with it being the largest generator of nulcear power in the world.

Dale Klein informed that the NRC presently has on hand 17 licence applications for 26 reactors and  additional 30 units are expected by the end of 2009. With US firms envincing keen interest in the Indian nuclear market, the US department of commerce has planned a trade mission to New Delhi, Hyderababd, and Mumbai from 3 to 9 December.