It is better to complete nuke deal during Bush term: Mulford

As delay continues to plague the operationalisation of the India-United States nuclear agreement, the United States on Monday favoured completion of the processes involved in it during the tenure of the Bush administration.

US Ambassador David C Mulford pointed out that time is of essence, but underlined that Washington was not pushing India as it has the highest respect for the political processes of this country. "It is practical to complete the processes, if we can, during the course of this administration," Mulford told journalists in New Delhi.

He pointed out that when the new President is elected in the US early next year, a new Congress will also come into being. "If the processes are not finished during the term of this administration, then we must understand that there will be a new administration in the US and also a new Congress," Mulford said, adding that the nuclear deal issue might not be taken up till the new government settles down in office, possibly by 2009 of 2010.

"There are practical problems there. It is desirable that we move forward. But we are not pushing. We are patiently waiting for India to complete the processes," the envoy said.

The comments came as talks between India and the International Atomic Energy Agency on the safeguards agreement continue amid stiff opposition from the government's Left allies.

Left parties, which provide crucial outside support to the government, have warned of serious consequences if the deal was operationalised.

The Left parties have given a go-ahead to the government to negotiate safeguards agreement with the IAEA on the condition that it will not be signed till approved by the UPA-Left committee set up on the issue.

Asked whether the US was 'disappointed' over the delay in operationalisation of the deal, Mulford responded, "We are partners with India, we are friends with India. There is no question of being disappointed".

He noted that India, being a democratic country, has its 'own political processes' for which the US has the 'highest respect'.

The Ambassador said the US did not want to be even seen as interfering in the 'domestic political processes' in India.

"We are waiting for the chance to take the step," he said while emphasising that both India and the US were interested in moving ahead, "if and when we can".

The US is in touch with India and is following closely its negotiations with the IAEA with a hope that the talks will be successful, Mulford said.

Asked whether the US was hopeful of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group granting exemption to India, he refused to speculate as he pointed out that different countries had different views on the subject.