Indo-US Nuclear Deal

The Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran visited Washington on December 21-22, 2005. The primary objective of the visit was to expedite the implementation of agreements and understandings contained in the July 18, 2005 Joint Statement issued following the discussions held between the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President George W. Bush. The Indians earnest desire is to implement Indo-US Civil Nuclear deal. In July, President Bush agreed to assist India with the development of nuclear energy, but the United States Congress is insisting that India demonstrate there should be complete separation between energy and military activities because India is not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Richard Lugar, chairman of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated, “I would urge the Indian side to think in maximalist terms and include as many facilities as possible within the scope of the civilian declaration.”

Pak Tribune