(Reuters) - Governors of the U.N. nuclear watchdog meet on Friday to consider India's draft plan for inspections of its civilian atomic reactors, a precondition for launching a deal to obtain U.S. nuclear fuel and technology.
If the plan passes, India must then obtain a waiver from the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group, because it is not a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and finally ratification of the nuclear cooperation deal by the U.S. Congress.
Following are main points about the 23-page "Agreement with the Government of India for the Application of Safeguards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities".
* WHY IT IS NECESSARY
Making India's declared civilian reactors -- 14 out of 22 -- subject to regular IAEA non-proliferation inspections is required for commerce with NSG members, including Washington.
India has been embargoed by the NSG for having never joined the NPT and test-detonating nuclear devices in 1974 and 1998.
* KEY PASSAGES IN PREAMBLE OF AGREEMENT