This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

1997
The Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) develops a sol-gel technology for the fabrication of nuclear fuel. The pilot plant, employing the technology, will be set up at Tarapur. During the Ninth Plan, a similar plant will be constructed at Kalpakkam. The head of BARC's Fuel Chemistry Division H.C. Jain tells reporters that the technology can help replace the handling of nuclear fuel in powder form. It can be used for fabrication of mixed oxide fuel (MOX) and for spent fuel reprocessing. The technology is also better from the safety point of view since the gel is less hazardous and easier to handle, he says. According to the director of the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR) Dr. Placid Rogriguez, the fuel produced via sol-gel technology has a higher "burn up." The technology was originally developed in the United States and has been tried in Russia, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
—"BARC Develops 'Sol-Gel' for Fabricating N-Fuel," Hindu (Chennai), 3 March 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>.

1997
The Atomic Minerals Division of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) discovers high quality uranium in the Bhima basin in Gulbarga district of Karnataka.
—"High Grade Uranium Discovered in Karnataka," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 18 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970718000771, 18 July 1997.

3 January 1997
The Times of India (Mumbai) reports that a brand new Russian nuclear-powered carrier Varyag is likely to be brought to Gujarat for scrapping because India has "considerable expertise in a [labor intensive] ship breaking job." India's Ministry of Defense refuses to comment on the issue.
—"Delhi to Buy Russian Nuclear-Powered Carrier for Scrapping," Times of India (Mumbai), 3 January 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970103000398, 3 January 1997.

3 January 1997
Delivering a speech at Nehru Center in Mumbai, India's Minister of External Affairs I.K. Gujral says India cannot afford to give up its nuclear option or accept any restraints in the absence of universal nuclear disarmament process. Therefore, India will not sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) unless there is a movement towards global nuclear disarmament.
—"Gujral Says India Cannot Afford to Give up its Nuclear Option," All India Radio Network (New Delhi), 3 January 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970317001463, 3 January 1997.

13 January 1997
Addressing a press conference in Jullundur, India's Minister of External Affairs I.K. Gujral says India will not sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in its present form.
—"Gujral-Nation Not to Sign CTBT in Present Form," All India Radio Network (New Delhi), 13 January 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970113000386, 13 January 1997.

20 January 1997
The Chief Executive of India's Nuclear Fuels Complex (NFC) K.K. Sinha tells the Indian news agency UNI that the NFC has supplied reactor materials to "Korea" and the "Nuclear Club" member countries like France and the United States. NFC is the exclusive supplier of the critical fuel and zircalloy structural components to India's nuclear reactors. Sinha says that India possesses "extensive deposits" of titanium, zirconium and rare earths in its beach sands. According to Sinha, the NFC plans to produce 400 tons of titanium metal sponge and 500 tons of high purity zirconium oxide during the Ninth Plan.
—"India: Nuclear Fuel Complex Bags 'Prestigious Export Orders'," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 20 January 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-013, 20 January 1997.

21 January 1997
Minister of State for Science and Technology Y.K. Alagh tells Lok Sabha (India's lower house of parliament) that the Ninth Plan will include details for the revival of India's nuclear power sector. Alagh claims that nuclear power plants in India function according to their designed plant load factor, admitting, however, that Kota atomic power station, which shut down in 1995, will not come online until 1998.
—"India: Article Views Nuclear Energy Program," Hindustan Times (New Delhi), 21 January 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-013, 21 January 1997.

22 January 1997
S.B. Bhoje, director of the reactor group at the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), says the conceptual design of the 500MW electrical prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) is complete. The construction of the reactor at the estimated cost of 28 billion rupees is planned to commence by 1999 at Kalpakkam and will possibly be completed by 2006-2007. Bhoje adds that pre-fabrication trials for the reactor were held together with the Nuclear Fuels Complex (NFC), Hyderabad, and the Midhani and the Durgapur steel plants. The following organizations are also involved in the project: the Indian Institutes of Technology, Structural Engineering Research Center, Central Building Research Institute (Roorkee), University of Earthquake Engineering (Roorkee), Terminal Ballistic Research Institute (Chandigarh), Central Water Power Research Station (Pune), Fluid Control Research Institute (Palakkad), and the Kirloskar Brothers Limited. According to Bhoje, the new features of the plant include the use of uranium-plutonium oxide fuel and sodium as a coolant.
—Maya Ranganathan, "New Reactor at Kalpakkam by 2007," Indian Express (Mumbai), 24 January 1997, <http://www.expressindia.com>; "India: Commissioning of Kalpakkam Nuclear Power Reactor in 2007," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 23 January 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-015; "350 Cr. For Kalpakkam Fast Breeder Reactor," Hindu (Chennai), 14 February 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>.

23 January 1997
Minister of State for Science and Technology Y.K. Alagh tells the press that the government is considering several proposals recommending the entry of private sector companies into the field of nuclear power.
—"India May Now Allow Private Sector to Produce Nuclear Power," Deutsche-Press Agentur, 23 January 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 January 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

25 January 1997
Addressing a joint news conference in New Delhi, Minister of External Affairs I.K. Gujral rejects a German appeal to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the NPT.
—"Gujral Rejects Kinkel Plea to Sign CTBT, NPT," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 25 January 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970806001428, 25 January 1997.

28 January 1997
India's Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda inaugurates a new uranium assembly plant at the Nuclear Fuels Complex (NFC), Hyderabad. He stresses the need to produce energy without any harm to the environment.
—"India: Deve Gowda Opens Uranium Plant in Hyderabad," Delhi Doordarshan Television Network, 28 January 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-019, 28 January 1997.

6 February 1997
The United States expresses opposition to the proposed Indo-Russian deal for the construction of two VVER-1,000 light water reactors in Koodankulam, Tamil Nadu. US State Department's spokesperson Nicholas Burns says the deal violates the terms of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) not to sell nuclear technologies to countries that reject regular inspections by the United Nations, agreed upon in 1992. According to Burns, since India did not accept the NSG guidelines, Russia should not provide any nuclear assistance to India. Russian officials, however, argue that the deal does not violate NSG guidelines since it involves light water reactors and precedes the guidelines by five years.
—"US Opposes Russian nuclear Plant Sale to India," Deutsche-Press Agentur, 6 February 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 February 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

7 February 1997
In an interview to a Japanese business daily, India's Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda says his government intends to allow complete foreign ownership of nuclear power plants in India.
—"India: Gowda Interviewed on Foreign Investment in Nuclear Power," Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Tokyo), 8 February 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-027, 8 February 1997; F.J. Khergamvala, "Foreign N-Plants Welcome: PM," Hindu (Chennai), 9 February 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; "India to Accept 100 percent Foreign Ownership of Nuclear Plants: Report," Agence France Press, 7 February 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 7 February 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

7 February 1997
Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman R. Chidambaram and the Minister of External Affairs I.K. Gujral agree to partially repay the Russian credit for the construction of two VVER-1,000 reactors at Koodankulam in hard currency. According to Chidambaram, the government should not keep the Koodankulam project on hold due to the disagreement over the form of loan repayment since Russian aid and light water technology are important to "give the impetus to nuclear energy."
—Shivaji Sarkar, "India to Re-pay Russian Loan in Hard Currency," Express India (Mumbai), 9 February 1997, <http://www.expressindia.com>; K.K. Katyal, "India to Press Russia for Report on Nuclear Plant," Hindu (Chennai,) 24 March 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>.

8 February 1997
According to US government officials, the United States will acquiesce to the proposed Russia's sale of two VVER-1,000 reactors to India if the latter accepts full-scope safeguards on its nuclear installations. According to the officials, the United States is insisting on this condition not so much because of the expected sale but because India "has many reactors that are already producing plutonium that need to be brought under safeguards." According to the US State Department official Nicholas Burns, the United States will continue to oppose nuclear technology sales to India and Iran because it considers such sales "destabilizing and unsafe."
—Chidanand Rajghatta, "Russian Deal Will Get US Nod if India Allows IAEA Safeguards," Indian Express (Mumbai), 9 February 1997, <http://www.expressindia.com>.

11 February 1997
At the meeting of Indo-Russian Joint Commission in Moscow, Russia offers a $2.6 billion credit for the sale of two VVER-1,000 reactors to India and expresses its wish to speed up progress on the deal. Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Victor Ilyushin says the major obstacle for Indo-Russian trade is India's unwillingness to accept guarantees extended by Russian commercial banks. Both sides make a decision to form a special working group on banking and financial questions.
—Vladimir Radyuhin, "Reactor Deal: Russia Offers Credit," Hindu (Chennai), 12 February 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; Robert Orttung, "Moscow Holds Firm on Reactor Sale to India," OMRI Daily Digest, No.29, Part I, 11 February 1997; "Russia: Nuclear Power Project Discussed during Minister's Visit," Nezavisimaya Gazeta (Moscow) 12 February 1997, p. 2; in FBIS Document, FBIS-NES-97-031, 12 February 1997.

15 February 1997
The government proposes to raise budgetary support for the nuclear power sector to 10.41 billion rupees in the fiscal year 1997-98 from its current 3.5 billion rupees. It is estimated that the expenditures in the forthcoming financial year will include 3.04 billion rupees for the Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS), 2.99 billion rupees for the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS), 3.14 billion rupees for Tarapur-2 and -3, and approximately 1.16 billion rupees for the Koodankulam project with Russia.
—"Budgetary Aid for Nuclear Power Plan to Be Hiked," Financial Express (Mumbai), 16 February 1997, <http://www.expressindia.com>.

March 1997
Prime Minister Deve Gowda grants permission for the sinking of two additional shafts to the ones that already exist at Pokhran for sub-kiloton nuclear tests. He also indicates that he may grant political authorization for conducting nuclear tests in the near future.
—Raj Chengappa, "Why Play Pahalwan?" Weapons of Peace: The Secret Story of India's Quest to be a Nuclear Power (2000: Harper Collins Publishers India, New Delhi), p. 402.

2 March 1997
The Indian Institute of Science inaugurates its supercomputing center at Bangalore. The chairman of the Indian Supercomputer Education and Research Center N. Balakrishnan says the facility consists of "300 powerful computers linked by high-speed communication networks." He says the center will be used by a "wide range of researchers," adding that IBM and Microsoft corporations are negotiating "tie-ups" with the center. India's Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda calls the center "a landmark so far as [indigenous] development of science and technology in our country [is concerned]." [Note: India set up the Center for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) in Pune in 1988. In 1993, when the United States disallowed the sale of a Cray Research Inc. supercomputer to India due to the fear it could be used in India's nuclear and missile programs, India began developing its supercomputer facility indigenously.]
—Michael Drudge, "India / Supercomputer," Voice of America, 3 March 1997; in Executive News Service, 3 March 1997; Hanif Arafat, "India Unveils National Supercomputing Facility," Reuter, 2 March 1997.

5 March 1997
India's Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda tells parliament that no decision has been taken to allow 100 percent foreign ownership of nuclear installations in India and "there is no question of deviating from our nuclear policy." He adds that the government has agreed to allow 100 percent foreign equity in the power sector in general and not specifically in the nuclear power sector. Gowda states that the government is open to specific proposals and will make decisions on case-by-case basis. Gowda assures members of parliament that his government will not make any decision without taking them into confidence.
—"India Will not Accept Foreign Ownership of Nuclear Plants: PM," Agence France Presse, 5 March 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 March 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

9 March 1997
Project director of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS-1) V.K. Chaturvedi says that Unit-1 reactor was shut down when the operators discovered a heavy water leak and helium cover gas from the reactor's overpressure relief device. However the reactor is scheduled to restart by the end of March 1997. According to Chaturvedi, "workers finished sealing unit one's overpressure device leak last month with tools developed by Indian nuclear scientists." They put "a backing seal of idium metal on the existing nickel seal in the overpressure relief device [which] needed equipment that could be manipulated through a circular opening of only 3.75 inches to reach the nickel seal's remote location inside the calandria," he clarifies. Chuturvedi adds that the subsequent checks and helium leak detection examinations proved the effectiveness of the new seal.
—Neel Patri, "Rajasthan-I Ready to Restart After Three-Year Rehabilitation," Nucleonics Week, 20 March 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 April 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

10 March 1997
India's Minister of External Affairs I.K. Gujral tells Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) that India and Russia will continue to cooperate in the construction of a nuclear power station in Koodankulam, Tamil Nadu. Gujral assures the House that Russia has not changed its position on the deal despite US pressure.
—"India, Russia to Continue Nuclear Cooperation: Minister," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 10 March 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 March 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

12 March 1997
A lid of one of the 56 steel barrels of uranium powder is broken during the unloading process at Yadavagiri. The consignment is on its way from the Rare Materials Plant (RMP, Rattenhalli, Karnataka to the Rakha Mines (Jaduguda, Bihar). The officials of RMP underplay the incident, stating that the consignment was "mere radioactive waste" that contained only "0.3-0.4 percent traces" of uranium. [Note: RMP gets natural uranium from thee Rakha Mines. After initial processing the RMP returns the waste to the mines for disposal. According to the Chief Clients Officer (Railways) Mr. Ananth, there is a "compulsory packing" (CP) for the transportation of uranium. It includes CP-one packing for uranium powder and "more elaborate" CP-three for the highly radioactive uranium.]
—Vijendra Rao, "Leak Reported in Steel Barrels Containing Uranium," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 14 March 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-073, 14 March 1997.

20 March 1997
Indian officials state that the protocol for Russia's sale of two VVER-1,000 light water reactors to India will be signed during the visit of Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda to Moscow on 23-26 March. US Assistant Secretary of State Robin Raphel tells the US Congress that "[Russian] exports of nuclear power reactors or missile-related equipment and technology to India will be of concern."
—"Russia to Sell Two Nuclear Power Plants to India," Wall Street Journal (interactive edition), 21 March 1997, <http://online.wsj.com/public/us>.

20 March 1997
The representative of Russia's Atomic Energy Ministry Vladislav Petrov tells the Hindu that despite US efforts to prevent Russia's deals with India, Iran, and Cuba, "the Russian political leadership has given [a] green light to go ahead with [these] deals and we hope to finalize the contract with India very shortly."
—Vladimir Radyuhin, "Clinton May Pressure Yeltsin on Reactors Sale to India," Hindu (Chennai), 21 March 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>.

22-23 March 1997
At a seminar on "containment migration in deep groundwater" held at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ASNTO) offers to assist BARC scientists to identify a site for geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) technology. At the seminar, AMS is identified as the most accurate technology to determine a site for geological storing of HLW.
—"India: Australia to Help with Nuclear Waste Disposal Technology," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 27 March 1997; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-086, 27 March 1997; "Australian Scientists to Help BARC," Indian Express (Mumbai), 27 March 1997, <http://www.expressindia.com>.

23 March 1997
India decides to ask Russia to prepare a detailed project report for the proposed construction of two VVER-1,000 light water reactors at Koodankulam (Tamil Nadu).
—K.K. Katyal, "India to Press Russia for Report on Nuclear Plant," Hindu (Chennai,) 24 March 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>.

24-26 March 1997
During Indian Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's visit to Russia, India and Russia agree to revive the VVER-1,000 light water reactors' deal. The two sides agree to speed up early completion of the detailed project report on the deal. Russia dismisses US protests regarding the deal, stating it does not violate the 1992 agreement of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). According to India's Minister of External Affairs I.K. Gujral, the detailed project report on reactor construction will "[take] some time" but the two countries have agreed to proceed with the deal.
—Dadan Upadhyay, "Russia Agrees to Sell N-Reactors to India," Indian Express (Mumbai), 26 March 1996, <http://www.expressindia.com>; "India to Acquire Nuclear Plants from Russia," Indolink (San Ramon, California), <http://www.indolink.com>; "Delegations Sign Agreements on Trade, Nuclear Power Plants," ITAR-TASS, 25 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970325003131, 25 March 1997; "Report Notes 'Delay' in Signing Nuclear Plant Agreement," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 26 March 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970326000180, 26 March 1997.

31 March 1997
Unit 1 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) resumes commercial operations.
—Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy Annual Report: 1997-1998, p. 2-1.

1 April 1997
The Indian Army's 58 Engineers begin preparing additional nuclear test shafts. To disguise their activity from overhead reconnaissance satellites, the engineers make use of abandoned wells, avoid erecting fences around the shaft sites, and purposely amplify activity signatures to add to the confusion.
—Raj Chengappa, "Why Play Pahalwan?" Weapons of Peace: The Secret Story of India's Quest to be a Nuclear Power (2000: Harper Collins Publishers India, New Delhi), pp. 403-404.

2 April 1997
India's Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) issues a statement, indicating a net profit of 2.9 billion rupees in 1996-97, compared to 1.52 billion rupees in 1995-96. According to the statement, this was possible due to "a major jump in productivity and efficient utilization of resources at all its eight operating power stations." The statement says the NPC generated 9,087 million units (MUs) of power against the targeted 7,570 MUs for 1996-97. According to NPC Managing Director Y.S.R. Prasad, NPC's performance over last several years "amply demonstrated that nuclear power technology in the country had attained a mature status."
—"India's Nuclear Power Corp Posts 250 PCT Rise in Profit," Asia Pulse, 3 April 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 3 April 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "Report Notes Steps to Boost Nuclear Power Generation," Economic Times (Mumbai), 19 February 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970219999469, 19 February 1997.

Early April 1997
The annual report of defense ministry states that China's progress in modernizing its nuclear arsenal and its reported assistance to Pakistan will continue to determine India's security concerns. According to the report, India is developing an indigenous missile capability in response to the evolving security environment in the region. The report reiterates India's refusal to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and states that the treaty is neither a measure for nuclear disarmament nor is it comprehensive. The release of the report coincides with the first meeting in more than three years between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.
—John Zubrzycki, "Nuclear Options 'Must Be Kept Open' due to Regional Situation," South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), 11 April 1997, p. 2.

11 April 1997
The Indian Army's 58 Engineers completes task of sinking two additional shafts for future nuclear tests.
—Raj Chengappa, "Why Play Pahalwan?" Weapons of Peace: The Secret Story of India's Quest to be a Nuclear Power (2000: Harper Collins Publishers India, New Delhi), p. 404.

22 April 1997
Speaking to the Deccan Herald, the director of Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) V.K. Sharma says Kaiga's two 220MW reactors may be commissioned during 1998-99. According to Sharma, the reactors' estimated cost will amount to 22.75 billion rupees (up from the original estimate of 7.74 billion rupees). He ascribes this cost hike to the collapse of the dome in one of the reactors three years ago, the Indian rupee's devaluation and price escalation. According to Sharma, the reactor dome collapsed due to its "inability to withstand tension generated by pre-stressing of cables, which were inadequately grouted." Sharma admits weak and faulty design and indicates that new specifications such as "increasing the dome thickness by 110mm and changing the concrete grade from M45 to M60" had been incorporated. He says that the two units were initially scheduled for completion in June 1996 and the interest burden of 1.5 billion rupees is to be paid due to the delay. Sharma reiterates that nuclear power is "benign and ecologically safe." He says the Kaiga plant is designed to withstand natural calamities like cyclones, seismic tremors and flooding. He also notes that the plant allows for double containment of radioactive leakage and has a 3.2 km exclusion zone, which exceeds globally adopted limits.
—"India: Commissioning of Kaiga Nuclear Plant Reactors in 1998-99," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 23 April 1997, <http://www.deccanherald.com>; in FBIS Document FBIS-NES-97-113, 23 April 1997.

23 April 1997
I.K. Gujral wins vote of confidence in Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) and succeeds Deve Gowda as prime minister.
—"India's New PM Gujral Wins Vote of Confidence," Asia Pulse, 23 April 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>, 23 April 1997.

24 April 1997
An Indian parliamentary panel asks the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to clarify whether unit one of Kaiga Atomic Power Station (KAPS) has received approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). According to the parliamentary standing committee on energy, a report recently submitted by DAE did not mention clearly whether the new design for Kaiga-1 was approved by the AERB. The committee urges DAE to provide the information on the progress of all units periodically. The committee expresses concern over the DAE's inability to utilize all the budgeted funds during the Eighth Plan period.
—"India: DAE Asked to Clarify AERB Approval for Kaiga Nuclear Plant," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), <http://www.deccanherald.com>.

29 April 1997
Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman R. Chidambaram says negotiations with Russia on the construction of an additional 2,000MW nuclear power plant are under way. According to Chidambaram, a detailed project report is in the process of preparation.
—"Negotiations Under Way With Russia for Nuclear Power Plant," All India Radio Network (New Delhi), 29 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970429000080, 29 April 1997.

April 1997
Tamil Nadu state government requests the federal government in New Delhi to reconsider the proposal for a nuclear power plant, to be constructed with Russian assistance at Koodankulam. Indian ecologists are concerned that, given the instances of leakages and malfunctioning of the nuclear power plants in India and other countries, the people of Tiruneveli district of Tamil Nadu "will have to face the prospect of indiscernible radiation hazards and genetic disorders of future generations too." Fishermen of the district staged protests, stating that their livelihood will be jeopardized since the fish will be affected if the coolant water from the plant is discharged into the sea.
—R. Parthasarathy, "Koodankulam: Experts Express Concern," Hindu (Chennai), 7 April 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>.

7 May 1997
The Minister of State for Science and Technology Mr. Yogendra Alagh tells Lok Sabha (India's lower house of parliament) that the government is open to specific offers for private sector participation in nuclear power generation. According to Alagh, the offers will be considered based on technical suitability, economic attractiveness, and conditions attached to it. He says amendments to the Atomic Energy Act of 1962 will be considered to facilitate this.
—"Government to Allow Private Sector in Nuclear Power Field," All India Radio Network (New Delhi), 7 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970507000280, 7 May 1997.

Mid-May 1997
India's new Prime Minister I.K. Gujral meets his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during the South Asia Association of Regional Countries (SAARC) summit at Maldives. The two agree to establish a hot line between the prime ministers in addition to the existing military hotline.
—Tim Healy and Arjuna Ranawana, "A Clean Slate," Asiaweek, 23 May 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 May 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

21 May 1997
The Pioneer reports that India's nuclear submarine project is "on the verge of a critical breakthrough with the Prototype Testing Center (PTC) at Kalpakkam getting ready for trials." The PTC, located within the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), will be used to test the submarine's turbines and propellers. The report also notes that a similar testing facility is operational at Vishakhapatnam "to test the main turbines and gear box" of the projected Indian nuclear submarine, codenamed the Advance Technology Vessel (ATV).
—Wilson John, "Secret Nuclear Submarine Reaches Vital Stage," Pioneer (New Delhi), 21 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970521002136, 21 May 1997.

31 May 1997
Addressing Indian scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says India will not sign the proposed Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT). Gujral asserts that India's nuclear options will not be compromised under any circumstances because national security is of primary importance.
—"Gujral Rules Out Signing Fissile Material Control Regime," All India Radio Network (New Delhi), 31 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS199706010000044, 31 May 1997; "Report Details Gujral's Statement on Nuclear Issue," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 1 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970602000302, 1 June 1997.

11 June 1997
Speaking at a conference on nuclear nonproliferation in Washington, DC, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, Mr. Prakash Shah says that New Delhi is convinced that total nuclear disarmament in a time-bound framework is the only way to solve the problem of nuclear proliferation.
—"Signing of CTBT in 'Present Form' Ruled Out," All India Radio Network (New Delhi), 11 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970611000256, 11 June 1997.

29 June 1997
In a televised interview, India's Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says that India will not surrender its "deterrent security options" but at the same time will strive for peace.
—"Gujral to Retain 'Deterrent Security Options'," AFP (Hong Kong), 29 June 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970629000465, 29 June 1997.

July 1997
Prime Minister Gujral authorizes the digging of a sixth shaft at the Pokhran nuclear test site in preparations for nuclear tests in the future.
—Raj Chengappa, "Why Play Pahalwan?" Weapons of Peace: The Secret Story of India's Quest to be a Nuclear Power (2000: Harper Collins Publishers India, New Delhi), p. 405.

Early July 1997
The Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam is synchronized to the Tamil Nadu grid. IGCAR scientists test an indigenously developed plutonium-uranium mixed carbide fuel in the core of the FBTR, producing "up to 10.5MW of power in trial runs." According to IGCAR Director Dr. Placid Rodriguez, the fuel "has been trial run for a burn-up of 32,000MW days per ton with faultless performance." The plutonium-uranium ratio in this fuel is 70:30. The fuel was developed as an alternative for enriched uranium-based fuel.
—Somasekhar Mulugu, "India Nuclear Scientists Develop Driver Fuel," Business Line (New Delhi), 15 July 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 July 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; Somasekhar Mulugu, "Fast Breeder Reactor: A Fillip to India's Nuclear Program," Business Line (New Delhi), 18 July 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 July 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

5 July 1997
In a press release, India's Ministry of External Affairs regrets the sub-critical nuclear test, conducted by the United States recently, and expresses concern over Washington's stand that the activity is permitted under the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The press release expresses regret that the CTBT contains the loopholes that allow some countries to continue nuclear tests.
—"Serious Reservations Expressed Over US Nuclear Test," All India Radio Network (New Delhi), 5 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970705000358, 5 July 1997.

9 July 1997
India's Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says India's opposition to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) has been vindicated by the recent sub-critical nuclear test, carried out by the United States. At the same time, he says, India is ready to sign a nondiscriminatory nuclear test ban treaty.
—"Gujral Says US Nuclear Test Vindicates Stand on CTBT," All India Radio Network, 9 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970709000009, 9 July 1997.

13 July 1997
In an interview to the Press Trust of India (PTI), India's Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says that India's nuclear options are open "till the world moves towards abolition of nuclear weapons on a programmatic basis and not rhetorically." He describes the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) as a "charade" since "it is neither comprehensive nor does it ban the tests." Gujral asserts that the Agni missile program has not been shelved. He also says that India will not be a party to the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT).
—"PM Rules Out 'Tinkering' with Laws on Judges Appointment," Statesman (Calcutta), 13 July 1997, http://www.thestatesman.net; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 July 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "Premier Interviewed on Relations with Pakistan, Security Issues," BBC, 15 July 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 14 July 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

16 July 1997
Addressing the issue of US export restrictions on Indian entities for their involvement in the country's nuclear and missile programs, India's defense minister Mulayam Singh Yadav says it is a "blessing in disguise." He argues that the restrictions will "give a boost to the nations' self-reliance efforts."
—"Defense Minister 'Belittles' US Ban on Indian Firms," Doordarshan Television Network (New Delhi), 16 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970717000152, 16 July 1997; "More on Minister's Remarks on US Export Curbs on Companies," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 17 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS199707170001574, 17 July 1997.

17 July 1997
In an interview to Business Line, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman R. Chidambaram says that there is no slowdown in India's nuclear program "as far as technology development is concerned." He adds that the power generation fell behind schedule due to "the paucity of funds" available for the nuclear power sector. According to Chidambaram, two 500MW units at Tarapur, Kaiga-3 and -4, as well as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), which have already been approved by the government, will help to accelerate the power program. Chidambaram says he believes in a "strong and independent regulatory system" and asserts that the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) does not interfere with the actions of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). He adds that in a regulatory system that is evolving in India, "it is essential that both the AERB and the DAE work together." Chidambaram points to a "healthy cooperation" with the Indian industry, particularly Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Larsen and Toubro (L&T), Walchandnagar Industries, and small private sector units in Hyderabad and Bangalore. He mentions the creation of the Indian Atomic Industrial Forum (IAIF) at the end of 1996 "to increase the interaction with domestic industry." Speaking of the commercial opportunities at the international market, Chidambaram says "it would take some time" before India can take a full advantage of them. He notes, however, that a first step was already made when the DAE exported heavy water to South Korea and the Nuclear Fuels Corporation (NFC) exported zirconium to the United States and South Korea.
—Somasekhar Mulugu, "India: We Expect the N-Power Programme to Accelerate: Dr. R.Chidambaram, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy," Business Line (New Delhi), 17 July 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 21 July 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

19 July 1997
India's Ministry of External Affairs expresses serious concern over an amendment to the US Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which lifts some restrictions on military and economic aid to Pakistan. A ministry statement says that Indian government will take all necessary measures to safeguard India's security.
—"Concern Expressed Over US Lifting Restrictions on Pakistan," Hindustan Times (New Delhi), 19 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970719000407, 19 July 1997.

25 July 1997
In an address in Mumbai on the prerequisites for the introduction and growth of nuclear power in developing countries, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) nuclear power engineering section Boris Gueorguiev says that India's "unique achievement in successful development of a comprehensive and self-reliant nuclear power program" should be shared with other countries. He adds that the IAEA considers the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) as "one of the major centers for human resource development for the nuclear power industry especially in developing countries."
—"India Can Be a Role Model in Nuclear Power Plants: IAEA Official," Deutsche Press-Agentur, 25 July 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 25 July 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

31 July 1997
Addressing the Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament), Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says that "any Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty (FMCT) can be a useful and necessary step but as part and parcel of a negotiated, phased program for the elimination of nuclear weapons." Gujral reassures parliament that his government "remains committed to safeguarding the country's security."
—"Rajya Sabha Informed of Delhi's Nuclear Disarmament Policy," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 1 August 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970801000464, 1 August 1997.

August 1997
India agrees to subject its new Gujarat-based 500MW nuclear reactor designs to a review by safety experts at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
—"India to Open Two Nuclear Plants for Inspection," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 16 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "India Opens Doors for Nuclear Inspection," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 17 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

1 August 1997
In an interview to Business Line (New Delhi), Bhabha Atomic Research Center's (BARC) director Anil Kakodkar says that BARC is working on the development of an Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR), which will use 75 percent of thorium and 25 percent of plutonium as a fuel. He says, however, that the use of thorium on a commercial basis will commence only around 2040. Among the advantages of AHWR design Kakodkar lists an automatic reactor shut-off in case of any problem and the gestation period for construction less than 72 months. He adds that "greater reliability is assured as the fuel will be indigenously made using [India's] vast thorium resources and easily available items would be used" in reactor construction. Among BARC's focus areas for the Ninth Plan, Kakodkar mentions "mastering thorium route, which has special problems such as high gamma radiation," strengthening expertise gained in fast breeder reactors, and setting up a facility "for proving the physics of [AHW] reactor design. According to Kakodkar, the BARC has "real problems" with "technology hurdles" since no technology is available from "developed nations in the nuclear arena" and the scientists have to start from scratch. Kakodkar points out that India is "one of the few countries" that have their own fuel reprocessing facilities. On safety and waste immobilization issues he mentions that India has waste immobilization plants at Trombay, Tarapur and Kalpakkam. "These facilities would have large glass canisters to seal the nuclear wastes for long periods. Low and intermediate level radiations in nuclear power plants are handled in waste management facilities in power plants themselves," he adds.
—Somasekhar Mulugu, "India Nuclear Energy: We Have to Master the Thorium Route," Business Line (New Delhi), 1 August 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 August 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

1 August 1997
Y.S.R. Prasad, a Managing Director of the Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC), says that India's current nuclear energy capacity is 1,840MW, "with most plants operating at high capacity factors (plant load factor)." He adds that a minimum of 880MW should be added by the end of Ninth Plan, taking the overall capacity to 2,720MW by 2002. According to Prasad, "the most practical step to improve [power] generation in the nuclear sector is through the higher allocation of funds from the government; [otherwise] the nuclear program will continue to suffer in India." Prasad notes that projected energy requirements for India require adding at least 10,000 MW each year in the Ninth Plan while the private sector can fund a 1,000 MW project "at the most." He says that while Indian "industry and institutions have augmented facilities to design and manufacture all the equipment necessary for the safe operation of power plants,...there have not been any proposals for equity participation in the actual setting up of a power plant." Prasad does not see the possibilities for significant equity participation of large foreign companies "in the prevailing environment with five nuclear supplying countries and technology control regimes targeting India." Speaking of the Indo-Russian deal on the construction of two VVER-1,000 reactors in Koodankulam, Prasad says that Russia will supply the materials, as well as extend a long-term loan for the 60 percent of the project funds.
—Somasekhar Mulugu, "Needed More Government Funds – Mr. Y.S.R. Prasad, MD, Nuclear Power Corporation of India," Business Line (New Delhi), 1 August 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 13 August 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

7 August 1997
Speaking in parliament, India's Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says India is "not going to be deterred in following [its] nuclear policy whether there is pressure, direct or indirect." Referring to an Indo-Russian deal on the construction of two VVER-1,000 reactors in Koodankulam, he notes that "some countries are not positive towards India getting nuclear power technology [from Russia] and [are] coming in our way."
—Harbaksh Singh Nanda, "India Will not Abandon Nuclear Program," United Press International, 7 August 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 August 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "Gujral Firm on N-Program, ISI Activities Cannot Be Ignored," Statesman (Calcutta), 7 August 1997, <http://www.thestatesman.net>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 12 July 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

28 August 1997
During a debate in the Lok Sabha (India's lower house of parliament), Defense Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav says India will not sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) until the five nuclear weapon states destroy their arsenals. He adds that India will not forsake its nuclear option "until the five bullies dump their nuclear weapons in the sea."
—"India's Foreign Policy Endorsed," Hindu (Chennai), 29 August 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 5 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "Defense Minister Reasserts India will not Sign Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty," BBC News Summary of World Broadcasts, 29 August 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 28 August 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "India will not Make Nuclear Bomb but Keeps Option Open," Agence France Presse, 8 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

1-5 September 1997
During a debate on the proposed Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, India, which fiercely objects to combining spent fuel and radioactive waste in one treaty, suggests redrafting a key article of the agreement to explicitly exclude spent fuel, meant for reprocessing, from the convention's scope.
—Gamini Seneviratne, "Three Amendments Proposed at Radwaste Treaty Talks," Nucleonics Week, 4 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 2 October 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

5 September 1997
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopts the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management by a vote of 64-2, with three abstentions. China, Russia, and India choose not to voluntarily include reprocessing in the activities they will submit for a review under the treaty. India's delegate Krishnamurti Balu says that India "would have preferred that spent fuel was excluded, or included as a protocol... but [it] can live with it as things are."
—Gamini Seneviratne, "Radwaste Safety Convention Signing Ready for IAEA General Conference," Nucleonics Week, 18 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 16 October 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

2-7 September 1997
US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Karl F. Inderfurth pays a five-day visit to India. In an interview to India Today he says that the United States "wants to see India join the CTBT [Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty]." He adds that the US government "fully recognizes that India has sovereign right to determine its own national security requirements. But we believe that those requirements can be best met through the elimination of any further nuclear testing by any party."
—Manoj Joshi, Sudeep Chakravarti, and Tania Anand, "Indo-US Relations: Uncle Sam's Agenda," India Today, 29 September 1997, <http://www.india-today.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 December 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

8 September 1997
At a two-day international seminar on the role of nuclear energy for sustainable development in New Delhi, India's Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says India's nuclear program "continues to be peaceful and is not for nuclear weapons. India has the capacity to make nuclear weapons but it does not want them. The only test which it has done has been left far behind." He adds, however, that India will keep its nuclear option open to meet the "unforeseen circumstances." Gujral notes that India is interested in cooperation in the areas of nuclear safety and nuclear waste management. Atomic Energy (AEC) chairman R. Chidambaram says India is looking at importing light water reactors to reach its consensus target of 20,000 MW of nuclear energy by 2020. Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Madhu Dandavate says that while India's self-reliance in the nuclear field is a matter of pride and satisfaction, though he would like the seminar to explore financial possibilities under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Talking to the press after inaugurating the seminar, IAEA chief Hans Blix says that "apart from finance, the single major hurdle for India to develop its nuclear power program is its non-adherence to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty." He adds, however, that India can go ahead with its deal with Russia to construct the two VVER-1,000 reactors at Koodankulam since the agreement was reached before Russia became a party to the nuclear suppliers group. Speaking of the deal, Russian Minister of Atomic Energy Victor Mikhailov says no agreement on "mutually acceptable financial terms" has been reached yet. He says Russia wants India to pay 75 percent of the credit in US dollars in less than 15 years, with the rest to be covered through a barter arrangement.
—"India Barred from Buying Nuclear Power Plants in the World Market," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 8 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 9 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "India Will Keep N-Option Open, Says Gujral," Hindu (Chennai), 9 September 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "India Will not Make Nuclear Bomb but Keeps Option Open," Agence France Presse, 8 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 8 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "India No Longer Seeking Self-Reliance in Atomic Energy," Bernama, the Malaysian National News, 9 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

10 September 1997
Asia Pulse News Agency reports that India's Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) "has posted a net profit of 2.52 billion rupees during 1996-97, an increase of 67 percent over the previous year, when in posted a net profit of 1.51 billion rupees."
—"India's Nuclear Power Corp Posts 67 PCT Profit Rise," Asia Pulse, 10 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 10 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

10 September 1997
The head of Russian Atomic Energy Ministry Victor Mikhailov says the procedure for India's reimbursement for a Russian loan to construct two VVER-1000 light-water reactors in Koodankulam will be worked out by the year end. Thereafter, preparation for project implementation will commence. According to Mikhailov, the latter can be done in 1998.
—"Russian Minister Discusses Nuclear Cooperation in India," Interfax (Moscow), 10 September 1997; in FBIS Document FTS199709100000476, 10 September 1997.

16 September 1997
Press Trust of India reports that India has decided to open its nuclear installations for international inspections. The Kakrapar nuclear power station in Gujarat will be subjected to a peer review by the members of the Tokyo-based World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) during their visit to India in November. India also intends to subject its 500MW pressurized heavy water reactor designs proposed for Tarapur to a peer review. According to the Nuclear Power Corporation's (NPC) Y.S. Prasad, "opening the plants or subjecting the design for peer review has nothing to do with the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] convention on safety of nuclear plants which India signed but has not ratified... What we are doing is voluntary and is a confidence-building measure... We know our nuclear plants are good but let the world nuclear community find out themselves how safe they are and how well they run."
—"India to Open Two Nuclear Plants for Inspection," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 16 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 17 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/;"India Opens Doors for Nuclear Inspection," Xinhua General Overseas News Service, 17 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; John Zubrzycki, "Nuclear Revelations Come Under Fire," South China Morning Post, 19 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; Neel Patri, "India Invites First WANO Review of Its PHWRs at Kakrapar," Nucleonics Week, 2 October 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 October 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

17 September 1997
According to the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR) director Placid Rodriguez, the Kalpakkam Mini Reactor (Kamini), the Uranium-233 fuelled reactor, attains its maximum capacity of 30KW at IGCAR today.
—"India: Kamini Attains Maximum Capacity," Hindu (Chennai), 18 September 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 23 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

18 September 1997
Speaking about the decision to open India's nuclear installations to international inspections, India's Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says the decision is "an ongoing process and a routine one, blown up by the media." India's Congress party, whose support is vital for the survival of Gujral's 13-party United Front (UF) coalition government, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) oppose the decision as one that is "fracturing the existing national consensus on keeping the nation's nuclear establishment closed to foreign examination." Congress representative Prithviraj Chavan says the government should have consulted other political parties before embarking on this "policy shift." BJP's Murli Manohar Joshi says India's nuclear reactors are "not only for power generation, but [also have] a bearing on the country's economic and defense activities."
—"Gujral Defends Plan to Open Two Nuclear Plants for Inspection," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 18 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; John Zubrzycki, "Nuclear Revelations Come Under Fire," South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), 19 September 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 September 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

19 September 1997
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) General Secretary Pramod Mahajan says his party strongly condemns the decision of Gujral government to open India's nuclear reactors for public scrutiny. He says this "highly disturbing decision" endangers India's security.
—"BJP Opposed to Foreign Inspection of Nuclear Reactors," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 20 September 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970920000341, 20 September 1997.

21 September 1997
The Indian government clarifies that opening up India's nuclear reactors for inspections by the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) does not indicate a policy shift and will not entail the imposition of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The inspections will be carried out by WANO technicians to ensure safety of India's nuclear installations.
—"Sources-No 'Policy Shift' on Nuclear Plants Inspection," All India Radio Network, 21 September 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970921000143, 21 September 1997.

22 September 1997
During a private meeting in New York, US President Bill Clinton urges Prime Minister Gujral not to take any hasty decision on the resumption of nuclear testing. Clinton also proposes that India and the United States enter into a 'strategic dialogue' on the nuclear issue.
—Raj Chengappa, "Why Play Pahalwan?" Weapons of Peace: The Secret Story of India's Quest to be a Nuclear Power (2000: Harper Collins Publishers India, New Delhi), p. 408.

23 September 1997
At a dinner hosted by the Asia Society in New York, Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says that creation of a nuclear weapon free world is an essential part of India's vision. He adds that India hopes it will be achieved "in the 21 century, if not earlier." According to Gujral, beliefs that India has a "nuclear bomb in the basement" are based on misperception and prejudice. He summarizes the history of India's commitment to nuclear disarmament, emphasizing its restraint after the peaceful nuclear explosion of 1974 and its commitment to keep the nuclear option until the world around India is made nuclear weapon free. According to Gujral, India did not sign the NPT "because of its inherent flaws" but has observed the treaty's provisions by not "help[ing] the process of proliferation" either openly or in a clandestine manner. He adds that India had "no option" but to decline the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) when its proposal to include a pledge by the nuclear weapon states to eliminate their nuclear arsenals within a reasonable timeframe was not included in the draft.
—I.K. Gujral, "India-50 Years on: Promise for the Next Millennium," Speech at a dinner hosted by the Asia Society, New York, 23 September 1997, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, http://www.meadev.nic.in

24 September 1997
In an address to the 52nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says that "the global community has lived for too long on a diet of empty promises. The pretexts for clinging to nuclear arsenals, which were questionable at any time, have now vanished. Mere nonproliferation treaties, promoted as disarmament measures, only serve to entrench a nuclear monopoly. No credible steps towards striving to realize a nuclear weapon free world are contemplated, much less taken, by those who should be showing the way. No justifications can be preferred as during the Cold War. The patience of the world community, expressed through the International Court of Justice,...is starting to wear thin. Nuclear weapon powers owe it to the world to answer the question why they need nuclear weapon." He appeals to the nuclear weapon states "to align their policies to what the world wants." According to Gujral, the United Nations should function as a "forum, in which the international community must continue to demand universal nuclear disarmament."
—I.K. Gujral, Address to the 52nd Session of the UN General Assembly, 24 September 1997, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, <http://www.meadev.nic.in>.

Late September 1997
The Indian government agrees to allocate approximately 5.15 billion rupees for the fast breeder reactor (FBR) project. The reactor's commissioning is expected in 2009.
—Neel Patri, "Indian Government Funds DAE Plan to Build 500-MW Fast Breeder Reactor," Nucleonics Week, 2 October 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 30 October 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

4 October 1997
Speaking at the 40th anniversary of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman, R. Chidambaram says that India maintains its record of "never having transferred any nuclear technology or material to any country which has then misused it." He adds that under its export control regime India "lists items sensitive in nature in one of the three categories – a negative list of prohibited items, prescribes substances and equipment list for items canalized for export through specific organization, and special materials equipment and technology (SMET) list." Chidambaram further remarks that performance of India's nuclear power plants has improved considerably, with the capacity factor of the newer generation plants comparable to international standards.
—"Report: World Invited to Invest in Indian Nuclear Plants," Financial Express (Mumbai), 5 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971005000822, 5 October 1997.

10 October 1997
Raja Ramanna, a leading scientist in India's 1974 nuclear explosion, says the 1974 test provided Indian scientists with the information that could be used to make a nuclear bomb. He adds that a label of "peaceful" explosion came from the political side.
—"Indian Scientist Rejects 'Peaceful' Nuclear Test Claim," Hong Kong AFP, 10 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971010000316, 10 October 1997.

12 October 1997
Replying to Dr. Ramanna's statement that 1974 explosion was a nuclear bomb, former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairman Dr. Homi Sethna tells Asian Age that the nuclear device tested at the time was "for peaceful purposes." Sethna adds that in order to be called a bomb, a device has to be of a particular shape and be portable, which was not the case with the device tested in 1974.
—Mini Pant Zachariah, "Indian Scientist Says Ramanna Wrong about 1974 'Bomb'," Asian Age (New Delhi), 12 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971013001273, 12 October 1997.

16-18 October 1997
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Pickering visits India to begin "the first phase" of a strategic dialogue. The issue of nuclear disarmament is discussed among a range of other issues. Indian foreign secretary K. Raghunath explains India's nuclear posture "in terms of its broader security needs," while Pickering lays out US concerns about nonproliferation and stability.
—C. Raja Mohan, "India, US Begin Process of Strategic Dialogue," Hindu (Chennai), 18 October 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 October 1997; C. Raja Mohan, "India, US Agree on Need to Combat Terrorism," Hindu (Chennai), 19 October 1997, <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 October 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/; "Bid to Boost Indo-US Ties 'Still a Long Way to Go': US Official," Agence France Presse, 18 October 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 18 October 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

17 October 1997
According to Indian defense ministry sources, India has developed five types of protective systems and equipment for its troops to safeguard against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) contamination hazard. The protective systems and equipment include: NBC individual protective equipment, NBC collective protection system, NBC medical protection equipment, NBC detection equipment and NBC decontamination system. Indian sources state that these protective systems and equipment conform to stringent international standards, and their induction into service has been formally approved.
—"Protective System Developed for Safety of Troops," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 18 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971019000053, 18 October 1997.

November 1997
Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) officials say that a World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) team of about 20 experts is scheduled to visit the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in January 1998. They add that WANO is likely to schedule foreign peer reviews at all India's pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) within the next five years. Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) is the next on the list and will be visited in late 1998. According to the officials, India will also seek assistance in "carrying out level 1 probabilistic safety assessments for all its 220MW PHWRs, with the intention of covering grid and turbine side deficiencies such as those which led to fire at Narora-1 in 1994."
—Mark Hibbs, "NPC Vows to Finish Kaiga in 1999; Concrete Collapse Lost 30 Months," Nucleonics Week, 27 November 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 December 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

2 November 1997
India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) chairman Dr. P. Rama Rao says that a safety research unit for India's nuclear plants will be established soon. The unit will work in association with AERB and will formulate safety protocols.
—"AERB Plans Safety Research Unit for Nuclear Plants," All India Radio Network (New Delhi), 2 November 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971102000133, 2 November 2002.

11 November 1997
An Indian official says that the Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) hopes to benefit from the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) reviews in four main areas: "lifetime reliability of equipment and components, maintenance procedures, equipment manufacturing technology, and probabilistic safety assessments (PSA)." According to the official, the Narora-1 fire was "the most serious safety-related event" in India's nuclear program to date. He says that the event was rated at Level 2 on the IAEA International Nuclear Even Scale (INES) because "it revealed a lack of defense in-depth and because there were 'simultaneous failures of safety-related systems.'"
—Mark Hibbs, "NPC Planning on Peer Reviews at All India Stations by 2002," Nucleonics Week, 27 November 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 December 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

12 November 1997
Nuclear Power Corporation (NPC) chairman Y.S.R. Prasad says that the two 220MW unit Kaiga nuclear power station (Karnataka) will be finished in early 1999 and be commercially operated by mid-1999. Prasad confirms that "severe problems in the containment structure had caused an extensive civil engineering review by AERB [Atomic Energy Regulatory Board], which in turn led to technical recommendations and a 30-month construction delay."
—Mark Hibbs, "NPC Vows to Finish Kaiga in 1999; Concrete Collapse Lost 30 Months," Nucleonics Week, 27 November 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 24 December 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

13 November 1997
Delivering a lecture at the National Defense College (NDC), Prime Minister I.K. Gujral says that India has no desire to manufacture nuclear weapons unless forced to do so since India cannot ignore its security concerns.
—"Gujral: No Desire to Make Nuclear Arms unless Forced to," Deccan Herald (Bangalore), 14 November 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971114000465, 14 November 1997.

19 November 1997
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright visits India. The issue of nuclear nonproliferation is discussed during her two-hour meeting with India's Prime Minister I.K. Gujral. Albright says the United States sees India "as a major contributor to international order and it would be helpful to have New Delhi as a part of that international system." At the same time Gujral reiterates that India's nuclear program is peaceful and that the country does not engage in proliferation activities. He adds that "there has been no weaponization" of India's nuclear program.
—"India and USA Stick to 'Divergent Perceptions' on Nuclear Nonproliferation," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 November 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 20 November 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

20 November 1997
India's federal power minister Y.K. Alagh says the government is ready to look into foreign proposals for the construction of nuclear power reactors. He notes that the government will make a decision after a careful study of submitted proposals, adding that they will have to comply with the existing laws on safety, technology, environment, and inspection.
—"Plan to Allow Foreign Stake in Nuclear Power Projects," Economic Times (Mumbai), 20 November 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971121000473, 20 November 1997.

2 December 1997
The Hindu reports that the second unit of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS-II), which shut down in September 1994, is "on the way to full-scale recovery. More than 250 out of the 306 coolant channels have been replaced by a fine-tuned RAPS team. The rest of the job would be completed before the end of the month." After that the reactor will be subjected to the procedures required for the commissioning of a new reactor. "Refueling will be followed by a series of tests. Then, each system of the plant would be run separately, followed by a start-up of the reactor." Project director V.K. Chaturvedi says "safety upgradation and installation of additional infrastructure were also being undertaken simultaneously." A high pressure water injection system was installed, as AERB required. Additionally, supplementary control room, an additional on-site diesel generator to power the essential services in the event of floods, and segregation of power supply lines were installed in the reactor. According to Chaturvedi, a renovated RAPS-II can "now run for 30 more years."
—G. Pramod Kumar, "India: Rajasthan Atomic Power Station-II on Way to Full-Scale Recovery," Hindu (Chennai), <http://www.hinduonline.com>; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 22 October 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

11 December 1997
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) president L.K. Advani says that his party is "for developing a nuclear deterrent." He says that it was "wrong" for I.K. Gujral's government to "give up this option."
—"Hindu Party Says It will Make Nuclear Weapons if Voted to Power," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 11 December 1997; in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, 11 December 1997, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>/.

1997
The Department of Atomic Energy's (DAE) geologists discover uranium deposits, containing "up to 0.55 percent uranium oxide and small amounts of thorium oxide" in Palanad sub-basin area in Andhra Pradesh.
—"Uranium Discovered in India," Nuclear Review, February 1997, p. 12.

1997-1998
The Department of Atomic Energy's (DAE) Atomic Minerals Division (AMD) discovers sizeable deposits of uranium at Lambapur-Yellapur and Tummalapalle in Andhra Pradesh.
—Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy Annual Report: 1997-1998, p. 2-2.

1997-1998
The Center for Compositional Characterization of Materials (CCCM) in Hyderabad becomes operational. The facility, which includes an Ultra-Trace Laboratory for the purification of reagents, provides analytical services to the Department of Atomic Energy.
—Government of India, Department of Atomic Energy Annual Report: 1997-1998, p. 2-6.