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Nuclear body delays ruling on India technology ban

The global body that governs the legal trade in nuclear materials has postponed a decision on whether to give New Delhi access to nuclear fuel and technology — a blow to a landmark deal between Washington and New Delhi.

The Nuclear Suppliers Group’s (NSG) approval of an exemption to its rules is essential for finalizing the civil nuclear cooperation deal. The pact would reverse more than three decades of US policy by allowing the sale of nuclear materials to India, a country that has not signed international nonproliferation accords — and has tested nuclear weapons.

The 45-nation suppliers group said in a statement on Friday that it would meet again soon to continue its deliberations on an agreement.

Earlier this month, India fulfilled one prerequisite for the deal by striking an inspections agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. After the NSG agrees to waive its rules for India, the deal would need approval by the US Congress.

Suppliers group approval would enable other countries to strike similar deals with India.

Washington, eager to see the deal pushed through before US President George W. Bush leaves office, played down the inconclusive end to the two-day gathering.

“We had a constructive and positive discussion today,” acting US Undersecretary of State John Rood told reporters.

“For us in the United States, we’re pleased with the results of the discussion and I remain very optimistic that we’re going to continue to make progress toward this important goal,” he said.

Observers had predicted it could take multiple meetings before a decision is taken.

Delegates leaving the closed-door meeting on Friday gave little indication of what went on but it was clear that US and Indian hopes for an unconditional exemption had suffered a significant setback.

One participant said the US was expected to present a revised waiver proposal by the beginning of next week.
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