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US criticises Russian decision to sell nuclear reactors to India

The US State Department has criticised the Russian government for signing a deal with India for two light-water nuclear power generating plants.

The deal, announced on Sunday in New Delhi, will mean that Russia will sell India two nuclear power generating plants of 1,000 megawatts each.

State Department spokesman James Rubin said, "This is not good news and is inconsistent with the agreement among members of the nuclear suppliers group not to sell nuclear technology to states with unguarded nuclear facilities. It sends the wrong message at the wrong time in our effort to fight nuclear proliferation."

According to the US interpretation, the nuclear suppliers have agreed not to sell any nuclear technology to a state which has any unsafeguarded nuclear facilities.

Rubin said, "We will ask the Russians to reconsider their decision to sell the reactors."

The sanctions by the United States and other countries, Rubin said, while not responsible for downturns in the Indian economy, apparently had reduced investor confidence in India and would have a long-term impact.

UNI

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