G-8 N-statement not meant for India: US

NEW DELHI: Putting the Obama stamp on India���s unique status in the world���s civilian nuclear hierarchy, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said the G-8 declaration on curbing transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technology would not apply to India.

Making a clear distinction between India and rogue countries that attempt to get such technologies and items through inappropriate means, Ms Clinton said, ``We are very much opposed to the unauthorised and inappropriate transfer that unfortunately can take place by certain countries and non-state players. So there is a right way to do and then there is a wrong way.������

Ms Clinton, who held talks with external affairs minister S M Krishna to launch the `new strategic dialogue��� was quite categorical about India���s exemption from the G-8 declaration saying India had done it the right way. ``We have completed a civilian nuclear agreement with India. If it is done in the appropriate channels and safeguarded as in the case of India that is appropriate,������ she said.

Though Ms Clinton did not take names of any countries, it is now clear that the G-8 declaration is clearly targeted at countries like Iran and North Korea which have stated their nuclear ambition in the face of international opposition. For the US, India���s leverage with Iran has always been of deep interest.

Ms Clinton, said that the US is seeking suggestions from India to tighten control over such illegal transfers. ``We are seeking the advice and suggestion from India on how to prevent unauthorised and dangerous transfer of nuclear technology which poses a threat,������ she said.

Ms Clinton���s visit to India and discussions with the Indian leadership has put to rest any apprehensions about the Obama���s administration���s intentions towards deepening the relationship with India. New Delhi is very satisfied with Ms Clinton���s trip and the new dialogue. According a special status to India, Ms Clinton announced that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would be paying the first state visit to the US on the invitation of President Obama on November 24. Ms Clinton also invited home minister P Chidambaram to visit Washington to discuss ``common security interests.������

What has been agreed by both sides is that there will be a substantial upgradation of ties and engagement in different areas of cooperation. Ms Clinton and Mr Krishna will chair an ���India-US Strategic Dialogue��� that meets once every year. Both sides have also agreed to start a new dialogue in areas like health, education and science and technology and create a new forum for discussion on climate change, disarmament and non proliferation.

The two sides have finalised the end use monitoring for US defence articles, which the two countries had hoped to sign during Ms Clinton���s visit. The two sides signed one agreement on creating an endowment fund in the area of science and technology.

Ms Clinton on Monday also called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh where issues like the civilian nuclear deal and terrorism and Pakistan were discussed. On civilian nuclear cooperation, Ms Clinton said that she was informed by Mr Singh that sites for two nuclear parks had been approved by the government for American companies.

Meanwhile, Mr Krishna, who highlighted Ms Clinton���s advocacy of the civilian nuclear deal in the early days, said that bilateral talks covered a `comprehensive��� agenda. Taking a leaf out of Ms Clinton���s book, the external affairs minister said that the two sides were in a new phase of `India-US 3.0��� ties. He added that India and the United States would build up the political partnership and ���redefine some of our dialogue���.