”Breaking out of isolation to meet energy needs”

At the conclusion of his four-day visit to the United States, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the nuclear energy agreement with the U.S. was a way forward for India to break out of its present isolation and expand international cooperation to meet its energy needs.

At the same time, it did not in any way lead to a diminution of the strategic nuclear capabilities that could affect the national security interests, he asserted in his remarks at a press conference. The two countries had agreed on reciprocal commitments, which would be addressed in a phased manner. A carefully selected working group would determine how best progress can be made in the matters reflected in the joint statement.