Argentina and India sign civilian nuclear energy pact

NEW DELHI, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- India and Argentina have signed a civilian nuclear pact.

The Hindu Business Line reported Thursday that nine other bilateral agreements were also signed during the state visit of Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to India.

Kirchner held extensive discussions with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. A joint statement issued after their discussions said India and Argentina will utilize the experience of their nuclear scientists and technologists for implementing the joint "Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy," noting, "Taking into account their respective capabilities and experience in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, both India and Argentina have agreed to encourage and support scientific technical and commercial co-operation for mutual benefit in this field."

Signing the agreement for India was Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Vivek Katju and for Argentina, Foreign Minister Jorge Talana. Argentina is the seventh nation to conclude a civil nuclear agreement with India after the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group lifted a 34-year-old ban on nuclear commerce with India in September 2008.