Vienna: The Director of International Atomic Energy Agency, El Baradei, has welcomed the announcement of the nuclear cooperation agreement between India and the United States.
"This agreement is an important step towards satisfying India's growing need for energy, including nuclear technology and fuel, as engine for development. It would also bring India closer as an important partner in the non-proliferation regime," El Baradei said in a press release.
The IAEA is a central body that works for international co-operation on the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
"It would also be a step forward towards universalisation of the international safeguards regime," he said, adding, it would make India 'an important partner in the non-proliferation regime'.
ElBaradei called the deal a milestone and timely agreement 'to consolidate the non-proliferation regime, combat nuclear terrorism and strengthen nuclear safety'.
"This agreement would serve the interests of both India and the international community," he said.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Tony Blair has also thrown his weight behind the Indo-US nuclear deal.
He said it would have a "net gain for the non-proliferation regime" besides making significant contribution to economic and environmental objectives of India and the international community.
He said he looked forward to work closely with the US, India and partners in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and
elsewhere on the detail of this 'important issue'.
"I warmly welcome the announcement that India and the US have now reached agreement on civil nuclear cooperation,"
Blair said in a statement.
"I believe the deal can make a significant contribution to energy security, development, economic and environmental objectives for India and the international community, as well
as represent a net gain for the non-proliferation regime," he said.
He said the UK has strongly supported this initiative from its inception and has been actively involved throughout.
(With agency inputs)
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