Indo-US talks on nuclear tech fail

New Delhi (Agencies) - Differences over key issues of nuclear liability and American attempts to engage Taliban in Afghanistan continued to plague Indo-US relations. However, visiting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared full support to New Delhi’s efforts to curb terrorism.
At the end of second India- US strategic dialogue, both sides decided to increase levels of intelligence sharing. However, on the critical nuclear issue, both sides failed to make any headway. America has been facing stiff opposition within the 46-member Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG) for forwarding India’s case, without forcing its entry into the nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Though, Hillary Clinton reaffirmed commitment for full civil nuclear cooperation, but she also stressed that “we need to resolve the issues that still remain.” The main problem for US operators is a clause in India’s Nuclear Liability Bill that makes the suppliers of reactors liable for 80 years for any accident at a plant. She also asked India to ratify within a year an International Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage that addresses liability, and then ensure that domestic laws comply with these guidelines.
A joint statement issued at the end of talks said India was committed to ensuring a level playing field for US atomic companies. The United States will host a senior-level Indian delegation at the US-India Civil Nuclear Energy Working Group (CNEWG) next week at Oak Ridge Laboratory to sort out glitches.
On the issue of granting India membership of expert control regimes Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group and the Wassennaar Arrangement, the statement mentioned the US was working towards the goal as per the nuclear agreement.
But, the Clinton noted that it would be done in a phased manner. It has to be consistent with the core principles of these regimes, as India takes steps towards the full adoption of the regimes’ export control requirements. Both the countries will hold the first ever meeting of the joint working group to implement the MoU on cooperation with India’s Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnerships later this year.
India raised concerns at the integration of Taliban into any power sharing mechanism in Kabul, without adhering to redlines. Clinton did try to diffuse India’s fears, but indicated that for the sake of a stable future in Afghanistan, inclusive and broad-based talks were imperative. Earlier, delivering a speech in Chennai, Hillary Clinton told India “it’s time to lead”, urging the government to do more to integrate economically with neighbours Afghanistan and Pakistan and take a more assertive role across the Asia-Pacific.

Clinton said New Delhi should exercise political influence to match its fast-growing economic muscle. “This is not a time when any of us can afford to look inward at the expense of looking outward. This is a time to seize the opportunities of the 21st century and it is a time to lead,” Clinton said.
But she said India could do more in two key areas: building a leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region, where New Delhi already has a “Look East” policy, and using its thriving $1.6 trillion economy to boost more fragile neighbours, including long-time foe Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In Asia, Clinton said India and the United States had aligning interests and values on everything from maritime security to democracy and human rights — areas where Washington has at times clashed with Asia’s other rising giant, China.
“This will not always be easy. There are important matters on which we all disagree, one with the others. But we do have significant areas of common interest,” she said. “India, China and the United States will have to coordinate our efforts.”
Clinton said India should do more to support both political and economic progress in Afghanistan, where the Obama administration has begun drawing down troops.
“Drawing down our troops is not the same as leaving or disengaging,” Clinton said - but added that India should join in efforts to help Kabul build a strong economy, and an inclusive democracy, which may provide a bulwark against violent extremism.
“We will continue to encourage New Delhi’s constructive role,” Clinton said, recognizing that some in India have expressed concerns that Afghanistan’s political reconciliation might be manipulated by outside forces such as Pakistan.