Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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June 18, 2008

Key Meeting on US-India Nuclear Deal Postponed 
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=1CBFE4E:A6F02AD83191E1607F332434D3090E8530EB2FA2E66CBB22&
 
Delay comes as India's left wing parties reaffirm their opposition to
agreement, saying it undermines country's independent foreign policy and
nuclear weapons program 
The future of India's proposed nuclear deal with the United States
remains uncertain, with the postponement of a key meeting between
India's government and its communist allies.The talks were set to take
place Wednesday in New Delhi, but communist leaders say the meeting will
now take place on June 25.The
delay comes as India's left wing parties reffirm their opposition to
the agreement, saying it undermines India's independent foreign
policy and nuclear weapons program.Indian Foreign Minister Pranab
Mukherjee (l) looks on as Communist Party of India leader Prakash Karat,
(r) leave after the meeting on the Indo - U.S. nuclear deal in New
Delhi, 17 Mar 2008Indian Foreign Minister
Pranab Mukherjee met with communist leader Prakash Karat Monday,
seeking approval for India to sign an agreement with the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).But communist party leaders say such an
agreement with the IAEA is unacceptable as it would allow the U.S. deal
to go forward.The
proposed nuclear deal would allow India to trade nuclear fuel and
technology. India would also submit some of its civilian nuclear
reactors to United Nations monitoringIndian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh said last week the agreement would allow India to have
civilian nuclear cooperation with other countries, which is crucial to
India's energy security.In addition to the IAEA, the deal must also be
approved by the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the U.S. Congress.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.


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