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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

(Newser) – 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.

Supporters of Communist Party of India (CPI) shout anti-U.S. slogans as they protest against the Indian government's shifting foreign policy.
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)
Pranab Mukherjee, right, a member of India's governing United Progressive Alliance looks on as the Left Party's Sitaram Yechury addresses media after a meeting on a civilian nuclear deal with the US.
Pranab Mukherjee, right, a member of India's governing United Progressive Alliance looks on as the Left Party's Sitaram Yechury addresses media after a meeting on a civilian nuclear deal with the US.   (AP Photo)
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, left, could lose the support of a left-leaning coalition if he tries to push forward on a deal with the US over civilian nuclear technology.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, left, could lose the support of a left-leaning coalition if he tries to push forward on a deal with the US over civilian nuclear technology.   (AP Photo)
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