Zeenews Bureau
Vienna, July 19: Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon appears to have succeeded in convincing the IAEA Board of Governors regarding the India specific safeguards agreement. And, that’s evident from the response - none of the members opposed it.
The development came after Menon along with Dr R B Grover, Director (Strategic Planning) addressed the 35-member Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday in Vienna. Menon also briefed 19 of the 45 nations who are part of the Nucler Suppliers Group (NSG).
The success achieved by the foreign secretary is significant as India has not yet signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) yet has had a good track record when it comes to nonproliferation. This factor appears to have worked in India’s favour during the meeting.
However, it would be premature to assume that India has finally won the high stake game as the IAEA Board will only decide on August 1 via a vote.
India is seeking the approval from IAEA Board to clear the way of implementing Indo-US nuclear deal. IAEA Board consisting of 35 members out of which 26 are also part of the NSG.
Menon had also met IAEA chief Mohamed El Baradei and discussed issues related to the safeguard agreement. India's envoy to IAEA Saurabh Kumar and Joint Secretary in the Department of Atomic Energy Gitesh Sarma were also accompanying Menon.
First Published: Saturday, July 19, 2008, 00:00