US to get NSG exemption for India

NEW DELHI: The US on Friday described the approval of India-specific safeguards agreement by the IAEA as a key step in the implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal and vowed to "vigorously" obtain an India-specific exception in the NSG and clearance from the US Congress.

"The approval today of India-specific safeguards agreement by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors is a key step towards implementation of the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation initiative.

"We will work vigorously with India to obtain an India-specific exception in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the final US Congressional approval," US Ambassador to India David C Mulford said in a statement.

Mulford gave his reaction from the US where he has gone on a short break.