Senior US lawmakers to travel to India for nuclear talks

Senior United States lawmakers on Friday said that they will visit India next week to discuss the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal.

The eight-member group, which will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, will be headed by Republican House leader Dennis Hastert.

• Also Read: The Indo-US Nuclear Tango

'The delegation will discuss the recent initiatives between the two countries, including the importance of civil nuclear cooperation initiatives in strengthening the international nonproliferation system,' Hastert's office said in a statement.

Republican Senator Charles Hagel also announced travel plans to India, Pakistan and Afghanistan from April 8-15.

• Also See: The Bush Visit

He said the relationships with India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are important for the US' strategic interest. The deal, Hagel said, will be among the specific issues that he will discuss with Indian officials.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the Congress that attempting to modify the agreement will jeopardise Indo-US relations.