politics | india politics

The IAEA Board of Governors is expected to approve on Friday the India-specific nuclear safeguards pact to allow the Indo-US nuke deal to move forward. There may not be a vote and Pakistan may not press for this step.

With the US and India going all out to get a comprehensive backing of the 35-member Board for the UN nuclear watchdog’s inspections plan by consensus, IAEA sources indicated that the major step may not face any hurdles and and that it will have a smooth sailing.

Pakistan’s attempts to force a vote caused unease both in India and the US but it appeared to back off after the US nudged Islamabad not to block the approval or seek amendments.

IAEA sources said the safeguards text is likely to be approved by a consensus but in the event of a vote, Pakistan may abstain.

IAEA decisions are usually taken by consensus except when the Iran’s nuclear programme came up for vote in 2005. Sources said the crucial meeting will see statements delivered by the ambassadors of India and the United States as well as by the nuclear watchdog’s director-general, Dr Mohammed ElBa radei.

Labels: Indian Politics