nuclear-news

India not giving in to USA pressure to change its Nuclear Liability Law

“Government cannot tinker with Liability Law”, THE HINDU, SANDEEP DIKSHIT, 22 JULY 11, India feels the civil nuclear logjam with the United States is out of the political realm because it will be difficult for the government to substantially tinker with its Liability Law despite suggestions to this effect by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a press conference here on Tuesday.

Ms. Clinton raised hackles here when she suggested that India get its Liability Law vetted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) so that it “fully conforms” to the international Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) for Nuclear Damage.

Washington feels that two provisions in the Indian law have prevented two U.S. companies — GE and Westinghouse — from opening talks on setting up six civil nuclear plants each. The potential business opportunity is estimated at over $ 50 billion, the highest-ever for the two companies outside their home country.

……..we had a problem with her message,” said officials. Ms. Clinton had suggested India approach the IAEA to establish whether its Liability Law was in harmony with the CSC. “This is because the Americans were 100 per cent sure that the IAEA would suggest changes,” they added…..http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2282626.ece

July 22, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | India, politics international