US still hopeful on deal
Despite clear signs of the Manmohan Singh losing stamina to pursue the Indo-US nuclear deal, the US administration appeared still hopeful of some forward movement on the agreement.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: Despite clear signs of the Manmohan Singh losing stamina to pursue the Indo-US nuclear deal, the US administration appeared still hopeful of some forward movement on the agreement. The US administration said it was “too early” to express disappointment and held out hopes that the two sides could “get it done”.
Agency reports from Washington quoting White House spokesperson Tony Fratto said the Bush administration remained committed to the civil nuclear agreement. “We don’t believe we can close the book on that yet. I think there’s still some work to do. We want to work with India,” he said.
The spokesman said the US understands that the Indian government has to “deal with their local politics, just like we frequently have to deal with our local politics” in dealing with these kinds of issues. “So we want to stay encouraged. We want to continue dialogue with Indian authorities,” he said.
The spokesman said he did not know what exactly transpired between US President George Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during their recent phone conversation on the nuclear issue. “But I can assure you that the President Bush would have reiterated our commitment to that agreement and our interest in having it accomplished,” he added.
Asked if President Bush was disappointed with the possibility of the Indian side not going ahead with the deal, the White House official replied, “I think it’s too early to express disappointment. I think we have some work to do and I think we can get it done”.
But both sides are conscious that the troubles facing Mr Manmohan Singh over the deal are insurmountable after the his party has decided not to risk an election over the issue. The Congress leadership is clear that it cannot afford to anger the allies on the nuclear deal. With the next election also expected to throw up a split verdict, the Congress leadership is not just ready to treat allies as adversaries or obstructionists.
Agency reports from Washington quoting White House spokesperson Tony Fratto said the Bush administration remained committed to the civil nuclear agreement. “We don’t believe we can close the book on that yet. I think there’s still some work to do. We want to work with India,” he said.
The spokesman said the US understands that the Indian government has to “deal with their local politics, just like we frequently have to deal with our local politics” in dealing with these kinds of issues. “So we want to stay encouraged. We want to continue dialogue with Indian authorities,” he said.
The spokesman said he did not know what exactly transpired between US President George Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during their recent phone conversation on the nuclear issue. “But I can assure you that the President Bush would have reiterated our commitment to that agreement and our interest in having it accomplished,” he added.
Asked if President Bush was disappointed with the possibility of the Indian side not going ahead with the deal, the White House official replied, “I think it’s too early to express disappointment. I think we have some work to do and I think we can get it done”.
But both sides are conscious that the troubles facing Mr Manmohan Singh over the deal are insurmountable after the his party has decided not to risk an election over the issue. The Congress leadership is clear that it cannot afford to anger the allies on the nuclear deal. With the next election also expected to throw up a split verdict, the Congress leadership is not just ready to treat allies as adversaries or obstructionists.
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