45-nation group approves landmark US-India nuclear deal

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Nations that supply nuclear material and technology overcame fierce obstacles Saturday and approved a landmark US plan to engage in atomic trade with India - a deal that reverses more than three decades of American policy. The Nuclear Suppliers Group, which governs the legal world trade in nuclear components and know-how, signed off on the deal after three days of contentious talks and some concessions to countries fearful it could set a dangerous precedent. "Today we have reached a landmark decision to allow for civilian nuclear trade with India," John Rood, acting US undersecretary of state for arms control issues, told reporters. Austria, one of the holdouts along with Ireland and New Zealand, said it lifted its objections after India pledged on Friday not to touch off a new nuclear arms race or share sensitive nuclear technology with other countries.