India under pressure to ratify N-deal as US lobs the ball in India's court

The US has lobbed the nuclear deal ball firmly in India's court with senior American officials asserting that they have done their part and now it's India's turn to act responsibly.

Speaking at the United States India Business Council (USIBC) 33rd Anniversary celebrations in the American capital of Washington DC, Commerce Secretary Carlos Guiterrez said, ''President Bush pressed for the civilian nuclear agreement with India against strong opposition because he's committed to our long-term strategic partnership. Now India needs to make some tough choices.''

Stressing that declining energy reserves and rising energy needs are realities that cannot be ignored, he expressed hope that India will quickly move forward to fully realise the potential of this historic agreement. "We believe it's essential to quickly implement the landmark civilian nuclear agreement and bring India into the international nuclear nonproliferation mainstream,'' Guiterrez said.

He added that his country remains committed to being India's partner in providing clean, sustainable energy -  nuclear power and other clean energy technologies.

"... this administration has been firm in its support for this -- this deal. It continues to be so. Right now we're at a situation where this is with the Indian government and literally with the Indian people. This is a matter for them to decide and then follow through with," acting spokesman Gonzolo Gallegos replied at the same sumit when asked if the initiative is 'close to dead'.

"We consistently stated that we stand behind this, that we continue to support it, and that we would like to move apace in terms of proceeding with it," he added.

"I think, however, there's - you know, the bottom line is, is a reality of the congressional calendar that has to be dealt with. We do hope that can continue and possibly conclude this in the near future," he said, referring to the limited term of the outgoing administration.