UN nuclear watchdog chief visits India amid feud over India-US nuclear deal

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-09-2007 10:10

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei(File photo)

The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog agency is in India to discuss nuclear cooperation with senior Indian officials. The visit comes amid heated political debate over the future of India's landmark civilian nuclear cooperation deal with the United States.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei is scheduled to speak at an energy conference, tour a nuclear medicine research facility and meet with Indian nuclear officials during his five days in the country. The US-India nuclear deal reverses three decades of American anti-proliferation policy. It also paves the way for the US to send nuclear fuel and technology to India.

The deal would also open up international nuclear markets to India and allow the energy-starved South Asian country to expand its nuclear power program. India has so far refused to sign international nonproliferation accords and tested nuclear weapons.