UK positive about NSG clearance

UK is “reasonably optimistic” that there will be support for exempting India from existing NSG guidelines to enable civil nuclear commerce with New Delhi.

British High Commissioner Michael Arthur is “reasonably optimistic” that there will be support for exempting India from existing Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) guidelines to enable civil nuclear commerce with New Delhi.

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“Obviously, there's a debate to be had there (at the NSG), but I think people are understanding the importance of this for civil nuclear energy for India. I'm reasonably optimistic," Sir Michael said in an interview.

Sir Michael said the United Kingdom was fully behind the agreement. "We have been strong supporters of this potential (civil nuclear deal) from the beginning."

According to him, Britain had worked quietly, behind-the-scenes to get members of the NSG, for example, to look positively at the civil nuclear deal. "So, we are strongly supportive (of the deal). We are strongly in favour of what the Government is doing. I think they have negotiated a very good deal,” he added.