Question : US CO- OPERATION IN NUCLEAR ENERGY FIELD

(a) whether the U.S. Administration is willing to extend co-operation in the field of Nuclear Energy;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government plans to renew talks with other nuclear powers for supply of Nuclear energy technology;

(d) if so, the names of the countries likely to be consulted for acquiring nuclear technology;

(e) the benefits likely to be derived therefrom and sectors where this technology is proposed to be used;

(f) the impact this is likely to have on India`s stand on NPT;

(g) whether the Government proposes to invite foreign companies for generating additional nuclear power in the country;

(h) if so, whether India is required to sign the NPT for this purpose; and

(i) if not, the manner in which the Government is likely to overcome this situation?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a)-
(i): During the visit of External Affairs Minister to Washington D.C. on 14-15 April 2005, the India-US Energy Dialogue has been announced which would be led by the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and the US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman. The main components of this dialogue would include civil nuclear energy, hydrocarbons and cleaner technologies. Government is engaged in a dialogue with key interlocutors such as Russia and France for furthering cooperation in the energy sector, including nuclear energy. Government has placed considerable importance on nuclear energy in its energy mix, as it provides a cheap and clean source of energy. In order to facilitate international cooperation in nuclear energy, India will not change its policy on the NPT. Any programme for such cooperation will be pursued in a manner consistent with the requirements of our national security.