History will not forgive us if we don't have deal: Kakodkar

Bangalore (PTI): Atomic Energy Commission Chief Anil Kakodkar has a yet again made a strong case for the Indo-US nuclear deal, saying "history will not forgive us" if it is not clinched.

His strong statement came on Friday after the Left parties said they would vote against the UPA government in Parliament if it moves towards operationalising the deal.

"Here is a chance. Without compromising on our principles, we can bridge energy security for the future," Kakodkar said while delivering a public lecture on "Evolving Indian nuclear programme: Rationale and perspectives," organised by the Indian Academy of Sciences.

Saying the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal will be beneficial for energy security of the country, he said: "If we don't do now, history will not forgive us."

He termed it (the deal) "one of the most promising and viable way of bridging energy security for the future."

Later, responding to reporters' queries on time-line for approaching the IAEA for a safeguards agreement and if the deal can be wrapped up year-end, Kakodkar said: "The sooner, the better. But things are not in my hands."

Kakodkar also underlined that there was uranium shortage in the country and Indian nuclear reactors are operating at half level of the plant capacity


Courtesy:thehindu.com
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