Manmohan, Pranab discuss NSG issue

New Delhi, Sept 6 : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Saturday held discussions with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and National Security Adviser M K Narayanan on the deliberations of the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after the crucial two day meeting remained inconclusive on Friday.

Admitting that four countries were having "some reservations", Mukherjee told reporters after the meeting, "Efforts are on to evolve a consensus. I can't give you any comments. It is not possible to give you anything unless I get a full report from our negotiators and diplomats who are stationed in Vienna."

With fresh round of talks have resumed this afternoon to incorporate changes in the revised draft waiver, this meeting assumes significance as consensus still eludes in the NSG for granting India-specific waiver.

Suspense mounted over the fate of the revised draft which was under discussion at the nuclear club with Indian and US officials going over the changes sceptical countries like Austria and New Zealand insisted on incorporating. China too appeared to have raised some reservations on finalising the decision.

According to reports, the Indian leadership has been a little surprised by the Chinese vehemence late in the NSG discussions last night. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jienchi is making a visit to India next week. He arrives in Kolkata on Sunday and later in Delhi early next week.

Austria gave enough indications that "more work still" needs to be done that will enable India cross a major hurdle in operationalising the Indo-US nuclear deal.

However, the US maintained that "significant progress" was made and remained optimistic over securing the exemption.

India too has left the job of convincing the NSG members to the US, which is believed to be talking to the naysayers and those having strong reservations.

ANI