New Delhi: In spite of the opposition voices, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continued to push his showpiece Indo-US civil nuclear deal, saying nuclear energy is now key to India's growing demand.
"I urge all political parties to appreciate the vital national interest of pursuing a sound energy security strategy. India is on the move and we must be able to address its growing energy demand," Dr Singh said on Monday.
"No government can afford to shirk the responsibility of pursuing a 'sound' energy security strategy in which nuclear fuel plays an important role," Dr Singh said in an apparent message to the parties opposed to the Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation agreement.
The Prime Minister said nuclear energy would play an important role in addressing India's energy security needs. He urged all political parties to appreciate the vital national interest of pursuing such a strategy. Dr Singh, however, avoided any direct reference to the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.
With the domestic oil production barely meeting one-third of the country's requirement, he said India's energy security strategy should include alternative fuels and technologies.
"From a long-term perspective, nuclear energy and solar energy can play an important role in addressing our energy security needs. Our government is committed to the development of nuclear energy," he said.
Singh, after laying the foundation stone of ONGC's new office, said the spiralling oil import bill will put unbearable burden on the nation's economy and all energy resources — coal, gas, oil, hydro and nuclear along with renewables — need to be developed.
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