nuclear-news

Russia disappointed with India’s Nuclear Liability Law

Still comrades after all these years, The Hindu KANWAL SIBAL, 28 Dec
12, “…….Russia’s disappointment with the delay in signing the
agreement on Kudankulam 3 and 4, despite the attractive financial
terms offered, is understandable. Having agreed to set up nuclear
plants in defiance of U.S.-led international restrictions on civilian
nuclear cooperation with India and supply nuclear fuel for Tarapur,
the Russians are resentful that India wants to treat them and the
Americans and the French alike with regard to our nuclear liability
law, especially as the inter-governmental agreement pertaining to
these reactors preceded our liability legislation.

However, with
Fukushima and the public agitation against Kudankulam 1 and 2, not to
mention the Supreme Court’s involvement in the matter, the issue has
become politically difficult for the government. The answer may lie in
increased cost of Russian reactors to cater for liability exposure. If
Russia explored a practical solution within the rules framed under our
liability law that provides considerable scope for limiting the
financial liability of the supplier, Kudankulam 3 and 4 could be
signed and Russia would dramatically increase its head start over
others in India’s nuclear sector…..
Russia has extended support to India’s membership of the MTCR (Missile
Technology Control Regime) and Wassenar Arrangement as well as the
Nuclear Suppliers Group. The Australia Group* is a notable omission. In
the joint statement, India has “underscored its determination to
actively contribute to international efforts at strengthening nuclear
non-proliferation regime,” which, apart from the clumsy language, is
unclear about what is implied……

*The Australia Group (AG) is an informal forum of countries which,
through the harmonisation of export controls, seeks to ensure that
exports do not contribute to the development of chemical or biological
weapons. Coordination of national export control measures assists
Australia Group participants to fulfil their obligations under the
Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons
Convention to the fullest extent possible.

December 28, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | India, politics, Russia