Bush gets ready for India, calls meeting of key heads

The meeting will review ties with India and decide on the broad approach and direction that needs to be followed on important bilateral issues ahead of Bush’s visit. Crucial in this context will be the view the principals take on the nuclear deal, going by the progress made so far in talks between Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns.

Washington had felt that the outline of the separation (civilian and military nuclear reactors) plan indicated by India in December may not meet the test of credibility in the US Congress.

While India has taken the suggestions on board as it works on its plan, US too will have to take a political view on steps that have to be taken for a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement to be signed during Bush’s visit. The Bush Administration also has move a legislation in the US Congress to make a one-time exemption for India to enable such cooperation.

The principals will take a view on all these issues and are expected to come out with a clear policy directive for the Administration in the days leading up to the US President’s visit.