WASHINGTON: Indian External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee said on Saturday that India would not create hurdles in case of a civil nuclear deal between the United States and Pakistan. His statement comes just one day after signing the bilateral 123 Agreement with US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice here.

Referring to Pakistan as one of India’s neighbouring states, Mukherjee told the media that every country has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

India, according to Mukherjee, would like to encourage civil nuclear cooperation for peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Mukherjee also said that India believes that every country has the right to utilise nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Therefore, Delhi supports Islamabad’s demand for a nuclear deal with the US like India.

Mukherjee also said that India is always keen to maintain amicable relationship with Pakistan and attempts its best to solve all outstanding issues through proper negotiation. He also praised Pakistan president, Asif Ali Zardari’s recent statements about preventing terrorism in and outside Pakistan. Islamabad too has no objection to the recent Indo-US nuclear deal.