U.S. urges India to implement nuclear deal

NEW DELHI, Sept. 19 (UPI) -- A U.S. ambassador met Wednesday with a special envoy to the Indian prime minster to urge implementation of a planned civil nuclear deal, sources said.

Sources told the Press Trust of India that U.S. Ambassador to India David Mulford met with the Indian prime minister's special envoy on nuclear issues, Shyam Saran, in order to stress the need for India to take steps toward implementing the international agreement.

Mulford and Saran also reportedly discussed how the Indian government would go about taking early steps toward the deal in light of national opposition to the nuclear agreement, the sources said.

Once India and the United States formally sign off on the 123 Agreement regarding nuclear energy, India will be required to mandate its nuclear program to fit international guidelines.

The Press Trust said the nation won't only need to reach an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency but will have to negotiate with the Nuclear Suppliers Group to take part in international nuclear trade.