"The Indo-US deal is our plan number 2. Our Plan number 1 is the indigenous nuclear programme which will continue even if the agreement falls through in a US Congress controlled by Democrats," Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar told PTI in Hyderabad.
On how a US Congress dominated by the opposition Democrats will affect India, he said, "Let us see how the situation unfolds.
India will continue to work on Plan No 1." Asked if the Democrats could attempt to seek concessions on the deal from India, Kakodkar said there has to be "reciprocation".
"Everything has to be done as equal partners in a win-win agreement. Let us see what they say. Why prejudge them," said the AEC chief who was part of the team that helped shape the July 2005 deal with Washington.
The pact, when implemented, will allow India to tap the global market for nuclear fuel and technology. Kakodkar sidestepped a question about whether last month's nuclear test by North Korea would affect India in any way.
"We have said we have a domestic (nuclear) programme which has to be carried forward and we will do that. There cannot be any adverse impact on that.
If power generation capacity is added through civil nuclear cooperation, it is good for the country," he said. He said India has already presented a separation plan for its military and civil nuclear facilities.