The Indo-US nuclear pact is silent on the issue of nuclear tests, said Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission on Friday.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the new premises of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research for Applicable Mathematics, Dr Kakodkar sought to clarify doubts over the agreement between the two nations. “There is no specific mention of the test in the draft, though there is a provision for cessation and termination of the agreement,” he said.

He added that India has the sovereign right to carry out nuclear tests. “There is no hindrance to activities of either of the two nations, let alone ban of tests. The only thing that binds the country is the declared moratorium,” asserted the nation’s top scientist.

The chief of the Atomic Energy Commission added that the nation’s requirement is for international civilian nuclear cooperation. “The agreement has to be cleared by the US congress. Our interests remain protected,” Mr Kakodkar, also Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy pointed out. Regarding safety standards Dr Kakodkar said: “We have been doing facility specific safeguards from the beginning at the Tarapore 1 and 2. We never had any difficulty in applicable safeguards. ”

Asked whether there could be a cessation of the pact with the US if India conducts a nuclear test, Dr Kakodkar said: “There is a provision for cessation and termination. To make sure that cessation and termination does not create difficulties running the programme, there are a series of steps that are spelt out in the agreement”.

He said there is no change in India’s stand on maintaining a minimum nuclear deterrent. Dr Kakodkar said there was an issue of fast breed reactors earlier, but it is no longer an issue now.