In a major step towards realising its nuclear energy ambitions, India is engaged in talks with the European Union to sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement and the deal is expected to be inked by next year.

"An agreement is expected to be signed between the India's Department of Atomic Energy and Joint Research Centre of the European Union. It will mostly focus on areas of research and energy," EU's Ambassador to India Joao Cravinho told PTI at the sidelines of an event last week. Cravinho said talks between the two sides are on and the agreement should be signed next year. He, however, did not give any specific time frame on when the agreement will be inked.

"There were concerns raised by few countries about signing an agreement because India is not a signatory of the Non- Proliferation Treaty, but there is a consensus on this now," he said. Both the sides and countries within the EU are ironing out the differences over the "language" to be used in the draft.

"The countries are now discussing the language to be used in the draft. This should be resolved and the deal could be signed next year," Cravinho said.