US-India Civilian Nuclear Deal Delayed Again

Leftist coalition could sink government if pact goes forward
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 25, 2008 2:44 PM CDT
US-India Civilian Nuclear Deal Delayed Again
Supporters of Communist Party of India (CPI) shout anti-U.S. slogans as they protest against the Indian government's shifting foreign policy.   (AP Photo)

A landmark deal between the US and India to share civilian nuclear technology faces uncertain prospects today after the Indian government announced it had failed to persuade a dissenting political group to back the pact, the Wall Street Journal reports. The White House has been pressing India to ratify the deal so it can go before Congress before President Bush leaves office.

The Left Front coalition opposes the deal as too favorable to the US, and has threatened to withdraw its support for the government if the nuclear deal—signed by Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2005—goes forward. "Every day that goes by is one less day on the legislative calendar," a State Department spokesman said. (More India stories.)

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