Updated on Monday, November 17, 2008, 00:00 IST

Mumbai, Nov 17: India has not set a time-line on signing of the India-specific safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the discussions on additional protocol are not yet completed, Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar said here on Monday.

"Discussions on additional protocol are going on and work is in progress," he told media here.

Signing of the India-specific safeguards agreement was an important step for operationalising the international civil nuclear cooperation. Additional protocols are requisites for signing the agreement with IAEA.

Asked whether India has set a time frame for completing the formalities on additional protocol, he said, "we have not set any time frame, we are working on the issue and it would be completed as soon as possible."

On a question if India would be able to give 20,000 MW by 2020 as promised, he said, "yes, in fact little more than that."

"By 2012, 7200 MW will be available. With 2500 MW from fast breeder reactor and 10,000 MW from pressurised heavy water reactor and few thousands from imported reactors, we would be in a comfortable position to produce even more than 20,000 MW," Kakodkar said.

Meanwhile, speaking on the safety of Indian nuclear power plants, deputy director general of IAEA T Taniguchi said that IAEA appreciates India's efforts in maintaining and sustaining safety record. India's role in convention of nuclear safety has to be appreciated, he said.

Bureau Report