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India, IAEA end opening talks

November 24, 2007
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U.N. and Indian nuclear experts ended their opening talks in Vienna on the troubled U.S.-India civilian nuclear deal, with more meetings to follow.

The talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency centered on a nuclear safeguards agreement, which is seen as the next step in completing the nuclear deal. The Indian government says the discussions should be completed at the earliest, the Press Trust of India reported.

The nuclear deal is in serious trouble in India because of opposition from the Left parties in India's ruling coalition, which is led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Congress party. The IAEA talks, however, were made possible after approval from the Left parties on condition the government will not sign any agreement.

For the deal to take effect, India must reach a similar deal with the powerful Nuclear Suppliers Group. The agreement must also be ratified by the U.S. Congress.

The Left parties claim the deal would allow the United States to interfere in India's conduct of its foreign policy. Prime Minister Singh, who worked with U.S. President George W. Bush to conclude the deal, says it will give India access to U.S. nuclear technology. 
 // Copyright 2007 by United Press International

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