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US Nuclear Deal Could Spell End for India's PM

Singh struggles to survive as Delhi seeks energy accord

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 1, 2008 5:30 AM CDT
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(Newser) – India's government is approaching the breaking point over a proposed nuclear deal with the US, reports the New York Times. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is desperate to push through legislation that will let the US give India access to fuel and technology for nuclear plants. But the accord could cost him the support of several small Communist parties, triggering an election that Singh might lose.

Yesterday Singh made an explicit appeal to his government's Communist allies to let the deal go through, but the leftists oppose the deal for bringing India too close to the US. Singh wants the nuclear issue wrapped up by next week, when he will meet with President Bush at the G8 summit. Several top officials, however, admitted that the prime minister might stake political survival over the nuclear deal.

Indian PM Manmohan Singh and Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi. India's leaders considered pushing ahead with a US-India nuclear deal, a move that could lead to early elections.
Indian PM Manmohan Singh and Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi. India's leaders considered pushing ahead with a US-India nuclear deal, a move that could lead to early elections.   (AP Photo/Gurinder Osan, File)
Manmohan Singh speaks during a function to dedicate reactors at a nuclear facility to the nation, in Tarapur, India. The nuclear issue could lead to the collapse of Singh's government.
Manmohan Singh speaks during a function to dedicate reactors at a nuclear facility to the nation, in Tarapur, India. The nuclear issue could lead to the collapse of Singh's government.   (AP Photo/Rajesh Nirgude)
Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. A standoff over a nuclear deal with the US could lead to the collapse of Singh's government.
Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. A standoff over a nuclear deal with the US could lead to the collapse of Singh's government.   (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
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Local coverage of the nuclear showdown
Economic Times (India)

Comment: Dr. Singh, lead or leave
Rediff News (India)

 
nuclear power • India • nuclear facilities • George W. Bush • Manmohan Singh • Congress Party

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