U.S. Ambassador Praises Historic Reprocessing Arrangement

March 29, 2010

New Delhi - The United States of America and the Republic of India are close to completing an historic partnership on civil nuclear cooperation, an issue of global significance. The two countries have finalized negotiations on "arrangements and procedures" for reprocessing U.S.-origin spent nuclear fuel. These arrangements will enable Indian reprocessing of U.S.-obligated nuclear material under IAEA safeguards.

Remarking on the Reprocessing Arrangement, U.S. Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer said, "This important step is part of the great, win-win narrative of the U.S.-India global partnership, affirming the commitment of our two countries to realize the full potential of our landmark civil nuclear agreement. These arrangements will help open the door for U.S. firms in India's rapidly expanding energy sector, creating thousands of jobs for the citizens of both our countries. The United States and India are one step closer to ensuring greater access to clean and affordable energy and electricity for all Indians, particularly those most in need.

Along with the great progress our countries are making in the realm of civil nuclear energy, we recognize that Prime Minister Singh shares President Obama's bold vision for a nuclear weapons-free world. We applaud India's outstanding track record on nonproliferation issues, and we look forward to our continuing cooperation in this area."