Britain hopes for early civil nuclear deal with India

Keen to have civil nuclear agreement with India, the UK today expressed confidence that such a pact would be in place soon, enabling New Delhi to receive British products and skills.

British Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Peter Mandelson, who is here on a visit, said he hoped a joint declaration in this regard would be issued today but it could not happen for "reasons, I understand".

"I think both India and UK are keen to promote greater civil nuclear cooperation, which will certainly help India, benefit India to have that relationship with Britain," he told reporters in response to a question on the issue.

Negotiations are underway between the two countries to firm up a civil nuclear deal, which could be the eighth that India would sign since Nuclear Suppliers Group lifted 34-year-old ban on it last year.

"We will do so soon in the coming weeks," Mandelson said.

"We have excellent nuclear supply chain, excellent products and skills and ability to manage large civil nuclear projects," he added.

Asked whether the UK would be a supplier of fuel or technology, Mandelson said the agreement would cover the range of inputs and activities involved in this sector.

"First of all, we are making a declaration in setting up (civil nuclear) cooperation. I would like that to be followed with specific agreement as quickly as possible," he said.