WASHINGTON, Dec 22 (Agencies): The United States has said the landmark Indo-US nculear deal signifies a "qualitative" change in bilateral relations between New Delhi and Washington and one that cannot be compared with any ongoing nuclear programme elsewhere.
"...It opens up quite obvious possibilities in the nuclear energy sector.
But it is also certainly symbolic of a new chapter in US-Indian relations," State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters here.
"I think it certainly signifies a qualitative change in our relationship that has been building for quite some time, but there were certain obstacles for it to actually proceed to the next stage.
And one of these was this issue of India's nuclear program and how it related to the rest of the world on that - with regard to that issue, and then other issues," he said.
"...We think that it is quite important.
It was a quite important moment," the official said.
Noting there are areas in the Indo-US relations that have to be broadened, he said, "I think you'll probably see more activity in that regard from the Secretary as well as others in the Administration in the months ahead".
"There's still work to do, mind you, in terms of negotiating some of the agreements, 123 agreement, and then India also has to negotiate a separate agreement with the IAEA, and then the Nuclear Suppliers Group has to act," he said.
The State Department official stressed that there are other things related to the issue that needed to be taken care of.
"There are some other things related to this issue that have to happen before it's really completed, but I think it also - you know, the act, the demonstration of trust and confidence and willing to bargain on this issue certainly opens the door to a different kind of relationship," he said.
He also once again ruled out any kind of similar agreement with Iran underscoring the fact that there is simply no comparison between the two countries.
"What, the same kind of agreement that we have with India? I think it's self-evident.
I mean, I think there's just no comparison in terms of Indian behaviour and responsibility with respect to its nuclear program and what the Iranians are doing.
It's an easy answer," McCormack said.