Britain to help India's civilian nuclear program
Britain plans to help New Delhi develop its civilian nuclear program, impressed by the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan, and the south Asian country’s “responsible” role in world affairs, said defence secretary John Reid.
Reid also reiterated Britain’s support for India’s bid for a seat on the UN Security council.
After meeting yesterday with Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi, Reid said Britain had decided to support India’s civilian atomic energy program because of easing of tensions between India and Pakistan, both of which had nuclear weapons, according to the British High Commission in New Delhi.
Reid was also quoted by The Hindu newspaper as saying that “India has proved a responsible power in the world.”
India recently voted with Britain, the United States and other Western powers in favour of a resolution urging the International Atomic Energy Agency to consider referring Iran to the Security Council over the Islamic republic’s nuclear program.
India and the United States this summer agreed to a landmark civilian nuclear cooperation deal that is awaiting approval by the US Congress.
Reid reportedly said yesterday that Britain’s decision to shift its policy was not an automatic response to India’s deal with the United States.
“We had been thinking about this for a considerable period of time,” Reid told The Hindu newspaper. “It is true that we have shifted our position. We have done it because the circumstances have changed.”
