Indian Official Says No Time Frame on Nuclear Deal

The New York Times
Mar 26, 2008

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - India's foreign minister on Tuesday declined to say whether his government can achieve agreement on a nuclear pact with the United States within a time frame recommended by the Bush administration. A day after meetings with President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee said the coalition government in New Delhi was still seeking consensus on the deal opposed by its communist allies. "At this juncture, it is difficult for me to indicate any time frame by which we will be able to complete this process," Mukherjee told reporters at a news conference. "There are certain issues which are yet to be resolved. Unless those are resolved, it will be difficult for us to fix any particular time frame." U.S. officials have warned that the deal, which would provide India access to American nuclear fuel and technology, could fall through if it is not presented to Congress for required approval by July.