Pranab meets PM, briefs on talks with Left on nuclear issue

New Delhi, Jun 21 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today and briefed him on the latest developments on the Indo-US nuclear deal during the past few days, including his meetings with Left leaders last night.

During the meeting which lasted about 45 minutes, Mr Mukherjee apprised the Prime Minister about his meeting with CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat last night at which Defence Minister A K Antony was also present.

The External Affairs Minister was scheduled to leave for Australia this morning to co-chair the Second Foreign Minister's Dialogue along with his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith.

However, in a late night decision yesterday after the meeting between Mr Mukherjee, Mr Karat and the Defence Minister; the External Affaiirs Minister delayed his departure to Australia fuelling speculation that he might be holding yet another meeting with the Left leaders today to resolve the imbroglio on the nuclear deal.

After the meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Mukherjee did not speak to reporters.

UNI RB GT NS1448