Don’t let Congress nuke our deal, PM tells Bush

ST Petersburg’s: Keen to see the early conclusion of the path-breaking Indo-US nuclear deal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday conveyed to the US President George W Bush India’s specific concerns over proposed American legislation granting waivers for nuclear commerce and sought “constructive solutions” to these problems.

“There are some concerns, which worry us and our Parliament,” Mr Singh said in reference to attempts being made to legally bind India against nuclear testing. During the 30-minute meeting at the heavily guarded Konstantinovsky Palace complex, Mr Singh also brought up India’s concerns over terrorism and Mr Bush shared his anxiety, observing that “America mourns the loss of innocent lives as a result of the terrorist attacks.”

“Referring to the July 18, ’05 deal on civil nuclear cooperation as a “wonderful deal”, Mr Bush said, “Our Congress is working on that important piece of legislation that will encourage and allow India and the US to cooperate, and I am optimistic we’ll get that passed.”

The Bush-Singh chemistry came to the fore with the Mr Bush praising the PM. “It’s always a pleasure to be in your company. The PM is one of the really true gentlemen in the international arena. He’s got a wonderful heart.” The PM, thanked the US leader and Condoleezza Rice for their efforts to get the legislation on nuclear cooperation moving through the Congress.

Describing the nuclear deal as a “truly landmark cooperation”, he said it was a “permanent reconciliation” of Indo-US relations. Appreciating the support extended by Mr Bush following the blasts, Mr Singh recalled his visit to Mumbai on Friday.“200 people, innocent men, women and children have perished, about 800 citizens injured being treated in various hospitals. It was such a moving sight, people without limbs and always sad,” he said.