Thursday, December 22 2005 08:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: India has brushed aside the notion that the Volcker committee report on the Iraq oil-for-food scandal, which led to the resignation of former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh, has created 'friction' with the United States.

"There is no friction at all on the Volcker Committee report between India and the United States. No there isn't. Investigations are taking place and we have received very good cooperation from the Volcker Commission and the United Nations," Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said here yesterday (Dec 21,2005).

Saran, who is here for two days of intensive talks with members of the US administration, especially on the landmark bilateral nuclear deal, said the US-India civilian nuclear arrangement did not mean American companies would have the commercial edge.

"There would be a level playing field once the market is opened there will be a level playing field for all potential suppliers," he added.

The Foreign Secretary pointed out that India was already talking to other countries, including Russia, on the issue of cooperation in civilian nuclear energy.

"We are talking to the Russians as we are with other partners including France and America, with regard to a very major expansion in our nuclear energy programme", he said during an interactive session at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Speaking on Iran's nuclear programme, he said that New Delhi's position was 'very consistent' and one that was 'well known' to Washington.

"We have said we expect countries to honor commitments they have made and we have also said that we do not wish to see another nuclear state in our neighborhood," the Foreign Secretary said.

He said the case of Iran should be dealt within the purview of the International Atomic Energy Agency itself 'because there could be unintended consequences if the matter is taken to the United Nations Security Council'.