Thursday, March 2 2006 19:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vienna: The director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today (Mar 02 2006) welcomed a nuclear agreement between India and the United States, saying it would boost non-proliferation efforts.

"This agreement is an important step towards satisfying India's growing need for energy, including nuclear technology and fuel, as an engine for development," IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei said in a statement.

"It would also be a step forward towards universalisation of the international safeguards regime," he said, adding it would make India "an important partner in the non-proliferation regime."

ElBaradei called the deal a milestone and timely agreement "to consolidate the non-proliferation regime, combat nuclear terrorism and strengthen nuclear safety."

"This agreement would serve the interests of both India and the international community," he said.