India and US Strike Nuclear Energy Deal

India is free to test nuclear weapons under a deal with the US, the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced today.

The civilian nuclear cooperation deal allows the US to send nuclear fuel and technology to India.

Since its announcement in July 2005, the accord has drawn criticism in both countries. Today protestors against the deal in India caused parliament to adjourn prior to Mr. Singh's announcement.

As part of the deal India is not banned from weapons testing and has been given the right to stockpile and reprocess atomic fuel.

If the US approves the deal, India needs to make separate agreements with the nuclear monitors of the International Atomic Energy Agency to receive nuclear fuel and technology materials from the US.

Reported by staff writer