US hints at changes in draft NSG waiver

MUMBAI: The US on Friday indicated that the draft being considered by Nuclear Suppliers Group to allow India to conduct nuclear trade may undergo some changes which would be discussed between the two countries to see what can be "accommodated".

Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher, however, said nothing will be allowed to impede the Indo-US nuclear deal.

"I don't want to lie to you...I can't really lie. There might be some changes that we could accept. But we are pushing for a clean text", Boucher told reporters here as the 45-nation grouping held deliberations in Vienna on whether India should be given the exemption to conduct civil nuclear trade.

"The US and India will have to sit together and see what we can accommodate and what we can't. We will have to talk to the other Governments involved", Boucher said.

"If you are making an exception... there has to be a certain logic to it", he said.

He did not specify as to what kind of changes would be made in the draft which was moved by the US at the NSG meet yesterday.

The draft has been finalised after tough negotiations between Washigton and New Delhi, which has been keen on ensuring that no conditions are attached to the waiver.