WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. India Political Action Committee hosted a “Congressional Briefing on U.S.-India Nuclear Trade” here June 4 to discuss opportunities and challenges in commencing U.S.-India Nuclear Trade.
According to a USINPAC press release, the briefing was a landmark event with speakers including U.S. Congressional leadership, nuclear industry experts, think tank personnel, and leaders of the Indian American community. It was attended by a standing room audience of congressional staffers and executives of leading energy companies.
The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Ed Royce, kicked off the conference by saying, “As we continue to work through the nuclear deal, I am sure we will find a way to continue to engage and move forward on this issue of civilian nuclear cooperation. It is important because the needs of India for uninterrupted and affordable power are great. Nuclear power will provide this in India.”
On the Indian end, Deputy Chief of Mission Taranjit Singh Sandhu remarked, “I am happy to report breakthroughs in the last few months on the bilateral U.S.-India civilian nuclear 123 agreement. There is robust exchange between our nuclear establishments. Nuclear energy is highly relevant to India’s energy security.”
Many leaders of the Indian American community had actively supported USINPAC in garnering support from lawmakers for the historic passage of the 2006 Hyde Act and facilitating congressional approval of the US-India 123 Agreement in 2008 that set the stage for US-India cooperation in civilian nuclear energy trade. These leaders from all over the U.S. descended on Capitol Hill to show their complete support for U.S.-India nuclear trade.
As a next step, USINPAC will engage with the U.S. and Indian governments and the U.S. Nuclear Infrastructure Council comprising more than 65 U.S. nuclear companies to address the remaining challenges in commencing bilateral nuclear trade.
Source: India West