India sends minister to persuade Beijing

NEW DELHI: With three days to go before the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency meets in Vienna to ratify the safety protocol it signed with India, the government is stepping up its campaign to convince member states not to press for a vote on Friday.

Minister of state at the PMO Prithviraj Chauhan has left for Beijing on Monday to talk to Chinese foreign ministry officials. His meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.

So far, Beijing has played its cards close to its chest. However, it is important for the government to get China's support at the IAEA board.

With Pakistan also on the 35-member board, India hopes to ensure that the two allies do not gang up and call for a vote.

Despite all indications to the contrary, and the assurance that Beijing will possibly not
be a hurdle at the IAEA,

India does not want to take a chance. So Chauhan is going to explain India's position to the Chinese ahead of the IAEA board meeting.

After completing the briefing there, Chauhan will travel to Rome, where he will again stress on India's non-proliferation record to the Italians. Italy is also a member of the IAEA board and though Rome is not opposed, the government wants to make certain there are no gaps in understanding.

Chauhan is also going to  Portugal, but for now China and Italy top the agenda because both are members of the IAEA board.