Assistant Secretary Geoffrey Pyatt of Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs today stressed that U.S. and India are committed to keep the world safe from nuclear weapons.
In his remarks on the U.S.-India Nuclear Deal, Mr. Pyatt said the contours of the U.S.-India relationship have changed even more.
“It has been a little over six years since the joint statement in which President Bush and Prime Minister Singh outlined a vision for cooperation on civilian nuclear energy that many of us have worked diligently since then to fulfill. This has been a period of unprecedented collaboration between our two governments, as we have worked together to meet the demands of this young century, forging a partnership that will be of fundamental importance to both our countries. “ – Mr.Pyatt
He highlighted that on issues a diverse as keeping the world safe from nuclear weapons, reaching a historic civil-nuclear accord, partnering to combat climate change, and supporting Afghan reconciliation and consulting on the Asian balance of power, India and the United States are bound by strategic necessity.
“We know that we must forge new habits of cooperation, and partner to solve the great challenges that face mankind – together – in order to sustain the progress of the last decade. Our citizens and businesses – not to mention our respective national interests – demand it.” -Mr. Pyatt
He stressed that both two governments’ vision for civil-nuclear cooperation was founded on the premise that India needs nuclear power to sustain its rapidly growing economy in a safe, clean, and cost-effective manner, and that the United States itself has a stake in India’s continued success.
According to Mr. Pyatt, the goal of the 2005 joint statement is to fulfill that vision; to provide India access to the technology it needs to build and safely maintain a modern and efficient fleet of civilian nuclear reactors and infrastructure, enabling India to tackle the power requirements of its growing economy.
“However, our civil nuclear cooperation is about more than just powering computers and cell phones. It is fundamentally about transforming the strategic relationship between our two countries by working together to achieve the “”indispensible partnership”” that President Obama reaffirmed during his visit to India.” -Mr. Pyatt
He cited that in retrospect the 2005 civil-nuclear agreement was the catalyst to much of what we have accomplished since then through the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue and two historic visits between Prime Minister Singh and President Obama. He said the nuclear deal became a “joint venture” embraced by both governments at the highest levels and then presented to the international community.
“The logic of our strategic relationship and our civil-nuclear cooperation ultimately centers on people. I can guarantee that everyone in this room would affirm their desire to make people’s lives better.” -Mr. Pyatt
