NPCIL in talks with US cos on nuclear reactors in Guj, Andhra

State-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd is in talks with a number of American companies to set up nuclear power reactors in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Replying to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh said the two sides are engaged in talks for construction of nuclear power reactors at Mithi Virdi in Gujarat and Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh.
In a significant move aimed at putting an end to the contentious nuclear liability issue and assuage suppliers concerns, India last month had ratified the Convention of Supplementary Compensation (CSC) for Nuclear Damage, marking an important step in addressing matters related to civil nuclear liabilities.

India had submitted its Instrument of Ratification for the for CSC to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Convention will come into force for India with effect from May 4, Singh said.
The US had welcomed India's move saying the "important step" will facilitate participation by American companies in the construction of nuclear reactors in India.
India had launched the nuclear insurance pool in June last year with a total corpus of Rs 1,500 crore which will provide coverage for operator's liability under the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.

"It also provides for Supplier's Special Contingency to Nuclear Operators (Buy-Back) policy for Suppliers," said the Minister.

Besides the US, India had signed civil nuclear cooperation agreements with France, Russia, Canada, Namibia, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Czech Republic, Australia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom and Mongolia, he said.
Replying to a separate question, Singh said India has all the credentials to become a permanent member in an expanded and reformed UN Security Council.
(Reopens DES 38)
To a separate question, Singh said posts of Indian ambassadors are currently lying vacant in Ethiopia, Fiji, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Nigeria, Romania, Tajikistan and Zimbabwe.
He said as on date, 87 ambassadors, 27 high commissioners and five Permanent Representatives in the rank of ambassador are posted in 114 foreign countries.

Out of the total, he said, 112 ambassadors are from Indian Foreign Service while one is from Indian Administrative Service.
Singh said one retired officer from Indian Air Force and another from Indian Police Service are serving as ambassadors in Norway and Saudi Arabia respectively.