In a move that pushed the Indo-US nuclear deal one step forward towards finalization, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Friday, August 1, 2008 adopted the India safeguards agreement.

Each of the 35 nations comprising the apex body of the IAEA either took the floor in support of India or in some cases also voiced reservations of one kind or another underscoring the importance of the decision in the cryptic and often opaque world of nuclear politics.

The unhappiness of Austria, Ireland and Switzerland over the IAEA decision was evident for all to see. At the end of its all, the hard sell indulged in by the U.S. and India coupled with the robust support from IAEA Director General Mohammed ElBaradei made it possible for the India safeguards agreement to get cleared without a vote.

Countries such as Ireland, Austria, Japan and even Brazil, however, explicitly stated that their consenting at the International Atomic Energy Agency forum did not mean that they will stay mum next month when the case will be taken up at NSG meeting.