UPA Government unveils IAEA Draft Agreement

Under pressure from the opposition and Left for going to IAEA at the stroke of midnight, the UPA government unveiled the text of safeguards agreements, which was sent to the IAEA for approval. Under the agreement, India will place its civilian nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards to facilitate civil nuclear co-operation between India and other members of IAEA.

The agreement will also ensure support for Indian efforts to develop a strategic reserve of nuclear fuel to guard against any disruption of supply over the lifetime of India's nuclear reactors. I will have the right to take any action to ensure uninterrupted operation of its civilian nuclear reactors in the event of disruption of foreign fuel supplies.

In the Draft agreement, India gives assurance that none of the items produced in the safeguarded facilities shall be used for building any nuclear weapons. In addition, they won't be used for military purpose. Finally, India reserves the right to continue its peaceful nuclear research.