Next step on Indo-US civil nuclear deal after IAEA approval: Pranab
23 Jul 2008, 1944 Hrs

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New Delhi, July 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that next step on the Indo-US civil nuclear deal will be taken after IAEA Board of Governors approves of the India-specific safeguards agreement.

"There is no question of fast-tracking or slow-tracking (the nuclear deal). It is a process which is on," Mukherjee told reporters here.

"I understand that the IAEA Board (of Governors) is meeting on August one," he added.

The IAEA Board is meeting to consider approval of the India-specific safeguards agreement, which has been handed over to it recently.

On being questioned as to what steps the government was taking to get the Nuclear Suppliers Group clearance for the deal, Mukherjee said further steps would be taken after the IAEA Board approval.

After the IAEA clearance, India will have to get exemption from the NSG before the US Congress could be approached for final vote. (ANI)