Blair endorses Indo-US nuke deal

The British PM called it a "significant contribution" to future energy security, reports Nabanita Sircar.

Welcoming the agreement on civil nuclear co-operation between India and the US, British Prime Minister Tony Blair called the deal a "significant contribution" to future energy security.

HT Image

The highly sensitive deal which was finally agreed upon by President Bush and Prim Minister Singh in New Delhi on Thursday, is being closely watched by world leaders.

While President Bush called the deal "historic", Blair said, "I believe that 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."

Blair iterated that the UK "has strongly supported this initiative from its inception and has been actively involved throughout". He said that Britain now looked forward to "work closely with the US and India, and with partners in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and elsewhere on the detail of this important issue."