India, US make ''progress'' in nuclear talks

New Delhi, Feb 24 (UNI) India and the US today reported ''progress'' in their two-day talks on resolving differences in the separation of India's civil and military nuclear programmes saying there was ''great clarity'' on various issues under discussion.

''Progress has been made in the talks. The two sides had detailed and productive discussions. There was greater clarity on the issues under discussion,'' the External Affairs Ministry said in a brief statement after the conclusion of the two-day talks between US Under-Secretary of State Nicholas Burns and Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran.

Earlier, before starting the second day's talks with Mr Saran today, Mr Burns had expressed hope about making progress on the issue saying both countries were working hard to strike a compromise.

The External Affairs Ministry had said yesterday that today ''formal'' discussions would be held on the subject.

Mr Burns who called on Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma, said both countries are working hard to bring the agreement to fruition.

''We have great respect for Indian colleagues...We have been active for 11 months now and there have been unique negotiations, very challenging. But there is a goodwill by both governments and a commitment by President (George) Bush to see this through towards a conclusion,'' he said.

He said they were ''encouraged'' with the day things were going.

Mr Burns had said yessterday that there were still some ''differences'' and both sides were working very hard to iron these out.

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