US and India premiers unveil nuclear deal during landmark visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States (US) President Barack Obama unveiled a breakthrough nuclear deal yesterday aimed at opening the gates for billions in nuclear trade between the two countries.

"We are committed to moving towards full implementation," said Obama at a joint news conference with Modi in the Indian capital of Delhi. "This is an important step that shows how we can work together to elevate our relationship."

According to the recently appointed US ambassador in Delhi, Richard Verma, the new deal resolved differences over the liability of suppliers to India in the event of a nuclear accident, continuing that it also covers US demands over tracking the whereabouts of material supplied to India.

Modi broke security protocol to personally greet Obama, who arrived in India yesterday morning. The three-day visit is intended to give the two leaders an opportunity to discuss trade, as well as co-operation over security, nuclear power, and climate change.

Soon after landing, Obama said that, "This is a great honour," continuing, "we are grateful for this extraordinary hospitatlity." The visit is the first time a US president has made a second visit to India while still in office. Verma also remarked that there was, "no question this is a defining time in the US-India relationship. Things not only feel different, they are different."

The US leader will also be the chief guest today in India's 66th Republic Day celebrations, the first time that a US head of state has been given this honour by India.

In lieu of the visit, security measures were upgraded at the hotels where the US President and the businessmen accompanying him are staying, as well as the areas he is expected to visit. In Delhi, India Gate and the Rajpath (the King's Avenue), where the parade will take place today, have been off-limits to most people for the past few days, with thousands of policemen on duty. Approximately 15,000 cameras have also been set up for security purposes.

Traffic restrictions have been set up around Delhi and additional checks are being implemented at metro stations. Police have also been going door-to-door to perform verification checks on residents. Security has also been heightened at airports, ports, and railway stations across India.

The visit will be shortened, however, so that President Obama may travel to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (the 27th) to pay his respects following the passing of King Abdullah.

by Kevin Andrews

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