My Blogs : First Opinion ; Radiation Protection Issues ; My Voice

My Website : www.radsafetyinfo.com

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Aftermath of Indo-US nuclear deal

The deal virtually lifted the de-facto international ban on the trade of nuclear materials and equipments related with the nuclear industry. The deal and other related agreements were signed in October 2008. However, nothing much has changed in the Indian nuclear scenario.

India is still unable to buy nuclear fuel from nuclear material abundant countries like Australia. Indian nuclear facilities are not able to buy nuclear related equipments, monitoring instruments and systems from western countries.

Now, in a major breakthrough it is reported that US has permitted US firms to collaborate with Indian companies to manufacture nuclear related components. Even Australia which till now reluctant to sell uranium to India, is willing to sell uranium to boost its economy! Good for India, because price of uranium has fallen from $140 (2007) to $50 a pound after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The developments will help the seller countries to boost their sagging economies, and for India to buy the uranium fuel for the reactors and much needed equipments for the safe operation of nuclear fuel cycle facilities.