Did you enjoy this article?
|
|
Sections
INDIA has told US about 'difficulties' in implementing a bilateral nuclear energy deal amid growing political opposition to the pact.
President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who signed the nuclear agreement in July 2005, spoke by telephone on Monday night in a conversation that also covered issues related to world trade talks.
"The Prime Minister (Singh) explained to President Bush that certain difficulties have arisen with respect to the implementation of the India-US civil nuclear cooperation agreement," said a press release by Singh's Office.
Indian media outlets reported that Singh's conversation marked a complete climb-down by the government on the nuclear pact with the US following strong opposition by four communist parties that support the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
The left-wing parties are traditionally opposed to India's close ties with the US and have said the nuclear agreement would have serious implications for India's sovereignty and foreign policy.
The communists have over the last two months threatened to withdraw support to Singh's coalition government if New Delhi went ahead with holding negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency for an India-specific safeguards treaty.
Negotiations on the agreement are essential before India's nuclear deal with the United States can become operational.
Comments (0 posted)
