India, Japan Likely to sign Civil Nuclear Deal

India and Japan are likely to sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Japan next week as the two sides completed the internal procedures for the much-awaited agreement.
●    The two countries had sealed a broad agreement for cooperation in civil nuclear energy during Japanese Prime Minister Shiozo Abe's visit to New Delhi last December.
●    External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said both the countries have completed the internal procedures including legal and technical aspects of the text of the pact.
●    Japan is a major player in the nuclear energy market and an atomic deal with it will also make it easier for US-based nuclear plant makers Westinghouse Electric Corporation and GE Energy Inc to set up atomic plants in India as both these conglomerates have Japanese investments.
●    During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will have an audience with the Emperor of Japan and hold the annual summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.