Tokyo: A senior US official urged Japan today to support an American nuclear accord with India despite Japanese concerns about the deal, arguing it would strengthen nonproliferation efforts.

Japan, part of a Nuclear Suppliers Group whose approval is needed for the accord to go ahead, has expressed worries over the agreement because it does not require India to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asian affairs, Richard Boucher said thet, "it was clear that India would not sign the treaties and that it was important to draw it into the nonproliferation system despite that. India has made it very clear that it is not in the cards," he said, adding that New Delhi has imposed a moratorium on nuclear testing.

Boucher said the suppliers group, which brings together exporters of nuclear materials, would meet later in the month.

Source : PTI