US - India nuke deal beneficial for both nations: Khurshid

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has said that India's flagship nuclear deal with the United States would be beneficial for both nations, and also said that talks with Pakistan can only take place in a conducive environment.

Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting here, Khurshid said, "Our aim is to ensure that India's civil nuclear agreement with the United States benefits both countries and we will hold talks regarding it."

Indian officials say the proposed deal between Westinghouse and NPCIL would be the first time money is committed to a commercial US nuclear supplier since Singh staked his career on a civil nuclear pact with US President George W. Bush five years ago.

The preliminary deal with Westinghouse would not involve putting in place nuclear equipment, so would not immediately brush up against the liability issue, Indian officials said.

Singh and U.S. President Barack Obama are scheduled to meet on September 27 in New York.

On talks with Pakistan, Khurshid said, "We have been constantly saying that we will assess the situation and the environment surrounding India and Pakistan. This is an issue of national interest and the condition can improve if we hold talks but we can only meet and move further when the environment is conducive for dialogue. So, it is not possible to say anything immediately.