US says 123 draft had refernces to N-testing, India upset

STRONG REACTION FROM INDIA: MEA says the 123 Agreement is solely about civil nuclear cooperation.

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New Delhi: India is expected to react strongly to the US State Department implying that the 123 Agreement had references to nuclear testing.

The US State Department Spokesman, Robert Wood had said during a briefing in Vienna that: "India's obligations under the 123 Agreement are very clear and the Indians have agreed to a moratorium on testing. And we expect they will adhere to that commitment."

Ministry of External Affairs sources said it was well known that there are no references to testing in the 123 Agreement as the agreement is solely about civil nuclear cooperation.

However, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee appears to be playing safe on the big question.

“It's not a matter of speculation whether we get it or not. If we get it then we get it, if we dont then we don't. No information yet on waiver,” he said.

An official reaction is expected very soon.

Earlier Robert Wood had denied accusations that the US had tried to keep certain documents under wraps. He was referring to the leak of the US State Department letter.

N-DEAL BENEFITS
	Could be a major contributor to our energy security
	Will provide 20,000 MW of electricity by 2020
	Opens door for nuclear cooperation with other countries
	Allows India to sit at the N-high table after spending 30 years out in the woods
	India gets access to nuclear reactors, equipment and technology
	India can develop reserves of nuclear fuel to be used in case fuel supplies are disrupted
	India doesn't have to sign NPT or CTBT
	India's legal right to conduct nuclear tests is not affected
	It will provide access to high technology denied for 30 yrs
	It will spur high end manufacturing

The differences within the NSG are narrowing down. There are fewer countries opposing the deal now and there are signs that the hardcore opposers are also splintering, which means many more countries have come around to backing India - mostly due to the efforts of the US and other supplier countries like NSG chair Germany, France and Russia.

The come around is also partly due to the apprehension that India will walk away if offered less than what it wants.

But though things are definitely changing for the better, but some of the opponents are still holding out. The Opposition is now down to four countries - Ireland, Austria, New Zealand and Switzerland.

And China is playing spoiler by arguing for more time so that concerns of these countries are addressed, a delay though will virtually almost kill the deal.

US Under Secretary, John Rood has slated a meeting in the IAEA on Friday evening - indications that a decision is likely by that time.