India’s nuclear power sector to be opened to US firms ‘within year’

A “breakthrough understanding” to open India’s nuclear power sector to US companies could be finalized this year, Reuters said, citing Indian officials. The January 25 announcement by President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed six weeks of intensive talks. India wants to nearly treble its installed nuclear capacity, but significant work remains on the deal aimed at unlocking projects worth tens of billions of dollars. The agreement’s framework is based on India’s acceptance of the principle that plant operators should bear primary liability in the event of a nuclear disaster.