NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS CLEAR LANDMARK US-INDIA DEAL

The United States finally persuaded supplier nations Saturday to lift a 34-year-old embargo on nuclear trade with India, following weeks of tough negotiations. The US described the breakthrough on the third consecutive day of talks as an "historic" and "landmark" deal that would boost nuclear non-proliferation, while enabling India to meet its huge needs with low-polluting energy.

India called the agreement an "important step" in normalising its relations with the rest of the world that would help meet the challenge of climate change and sustainable development. The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which controls the export and sale of nuclear technology, reached consensus on a one-off waiver of its rules for India, which refuses to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

AFP