New disclosures cast shadow over N deal, PM holds meeting

New Delhi/Washington, Sep 3 (UNI) Hours before the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was to assemble in Vienna for a crucial meeting, the Indo-US nuclear deal plunged into a major crisis with disclosures that the US would cancel the pact if India conducts a test.

Immediately after the disclosures, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh convened a meeting with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and National Security Advisor M K Narayanan to discuss the developments.

The Prime Minister also spoke with India's Ambassador to the United States, Ronen Sen, and has reportedly summoned Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar for discussions.

The US, meanwhile, clarified that that there are no new conditions in the agreement which have not already been shared with New Delhi.

The controversy began after 'The Washington Post' reported that the agreement had the provision the US would not supply sensitive technology to India and the deal would be off if India conducted a nuclear test.

India, which has all along maintained that the July 18, 2005, civilian nuclear agreement would not affect the country's strategic interests, put up a brave face.

A statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry here ...

picking up from para four, line one of DI 62, External--US Nuclear-India.

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