Thursday, March 16 2006 10:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Despite India's assertion that Russia's move to supply fuel for the Tarapur nuclear plant is not violating any international law, the US today(Mar 16,2006) said it is 'important' for New Delhi to fulfil its obligations under the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Asked if the proposed Russian fuel sale to Tarapur will have any impact on American nuclear guidelines, US State Department acting spokesman Adam Ereli said, "I don't want to speculate on that. I think, you know, we've been clear that we recognise India's need for fuel. We're committed to secure a regular supply of fuel through the Nuclear Suppliers Group".

He said that the Bush administration is moving a draft legislation in the Congress seeking amendment to the laws needed to implement the Indo-US nuclear cooperation deal.

"The joint initiative and the legislation we will be presenting tomorrow are designed to provide for the supply of fuel in that way, consistent with Indian commitments to undertake steps to bring it into compliance with IAEA safeguards," he said.

"And that it's important that they do so as part of an effort to get nuclear fuel. And that frankly, it is all part of a broad and connected process," Ereli said.

Reacting to reservations expressed by the Bush administration on Russia's move to supply fuel for Tarapur plant, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman had said in New Delhi yesterday that there was no violation of NSG guidelines and Russia had approached the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group under the Safety Exception Clause.