US launches "diplomatic offensive" to muster support for India at NSG

New Delhi, Aug 5 : The Bush Administration has stepped up its efforts to expedite the implementation of Indo-US civil nuclear deal by getting it cleared from the Nuclear Suppliers Group before it comes to American Congress for vote.

The deal has already passed its first stage with the approval of India Specific Safeguard at the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The US once again reiterated its support to India in getting the deal cleared from the 45 nation nuclear cartel NSG.

US Ambassador to India David Mulford today said that Washington has launched a "diplomatic offensive" for getting clean exemption for India at the NSG.

In a telephonic conversation with reporters, Mulford said: "President George W Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice are making all efforts to garner support for the Indo-US nuke deal from the NSG.

He further said "we are working very closely with India on the final draft which the US will present in NSG for getting clean exemptions.

India fears that some Scandinavian countries due to domestic pressure might object its inclusion in this elite nuclear club because New Delhi is not a member of the NSG and is also not a signatory of the NPT or CTBT.

China and Japan are also non-committal on supporting India's case at the NSG.

Mulford also informed reporters that President Bush might meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in coming September. y Naveen Kapoor

ANI