An early clearance of the Indo-US nuclear deal could help the "Indian nuclear industry" join the International Suppliers Grouping and become part of the supply chain, Chairman of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India S K Jain said on Tuesday.
The pitching for the deal by the top scientist comes amid an escalated stand-off between the Left and the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance over the issue.
"Based on the interaction with the nuclear industry, I can say that they (industry) are hopeful and confident of becoming part of a supply chain besides India getting nuclear fuel," he told reporters after witnessing the installation of a safety vessel at the 500 mw prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam near in Chennai.
When asked for his reaction about the Left parties' reservations on the Indo-US nuclear deal, Jain said: "We are a government of India-owned company and are bound to whatever policies they form" and wished to stay away from commenting on the Left's stand on the deal.
The industry was euphoric about becoming a part of the global nuclear movement and part of the supply chain, he said.
"The Indian industry feels they can serve the foreign nuclear markets and make investments in countries which don't have the expertise," he said.
On Australia's refusal to sell uranium to India since it was not a signatory to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, Jain said, "It was a hypothetical question as there was no clear waiver for India to have trade with any member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group in which Australia is also a member."
However, he reiterated his earlier comments that the industry will be benefited if there was a decision taken by the government in this matter.
