Carter OKs nuclear fuel for India, overruling panel

President Carter authorized export of 38 tons of nuclear fuel to India Thursday, igniting a confrontation with Congress. The executive order Mr. Carter signed before leaving for Europe overruled the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which had recommended no fuel be sent to India.

Deputy Secretary of State Warren M. Christopher, defending the move before a joint hearing of Senate Committees on Foreign Relations and Governmental Affairs , said the State Department has no evidence that India plans further nuclear tests. The nuclear shipments would stop if New Delhi exploded another atom bomb , he said.

In the House, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D) of Massachusetts and several co-signers filed a resolution seeking to overturn the executive order. Congress can veto the presidential action within 60 days by a majority vote in both houses.