US delegation seeks clarity on India nuclear liability regime

New Delhi: A delegation of US-India Business Council and the Nuclear Energy Institute is in India to seek greater clarity about the liability regime in the Indian nuclear sector.

The delegation will also meet stakeholders here, including players in the industry and government officials.

"The purpose of this mission is to gain clarity about India's liability regime, learn more about its USD 182 billion nuclear expansion plans, and meet with key stakeholders in India's government, nuclear establishment and industry.

"The delegation will promote our nuclear industry in government-to-industry meetings and in meetings with executives of India's leading private-sector companies. Our aim is to continue our progress on policy issues while fostering strong relationships with Indian industry counterparts," the US-India Business Council said.

After signing of the Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation agreement, US will build two nuclear power plants -- at Kovadda in Andhra Pradesh and Chaya Mithi Virdhi in Gujarat.

The US companies also had concerns regarding the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, which allows the operator to sue the supplier in case of any mishap.

"@NEI & @USIBC Civil Nuclear trade mission continues to support India's important civil nuclear expansion plans," Richard Verma, US Ambassador to India, said in a tweet.

The delegation is likely to be here till December 11.