Govt looking at Dec window to approach IAEA

In fact, Prime Minister Singh, responding to questions on the deal at a joint press briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said: 8220;We have run into some problems domestically that we are trying to resolve, though as a government, we remain committed8221;the Chancellor and I had a very fruitful discussion on the issue of civil nuclear cooperation between India and the international community. I explained that the 123 deal is an honourable deal 8212; good for India, good for the world and the global non-proliferation movement8230; we are a democracy and in a democracy, ultimately you have to take along those with you8230; there is need to evolve a broad-based consensus in our country and efforts are on in that direction.8221;

Merkel, on her part, said: 8220;We have every interest in seeing India incorporated into the international nuclear regime to ensure maximum transparency. I hope IAEA rules will be abided by India and further progress would be made on the basis of those rules.8221;

Prior to the debate in Parliament, the government will have another chance on November 16 8212; at the UPA-Left meeting 8212;to assuage Left concerns and obtain limited consent to proceed with the IAEA safeguards talks.

In Congress circles, hopes on the Left are fading and the party is gearing for polls anytime after March next.

According to highly placed sources, diplomatic efforts are also on to ensure that the delay over the deal can be made up and the original timeline, leading up to placing the agreement before the US Congress early next year, could still be maintained.

8220;No matter who signs the 123 Agreement 8212; UPA or the next regime 8212; we will have done our part to fulfil our international commitment by taking the next step towards operationalisation of the deal,8221; said a top Congress source.

While the government has this blueprint in place, it is still trying hard to persuade the Left. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee held a meeting with CPM politburo member Sitaram Yechury last evening and is leant to have conveyed that the government was running out of time on approaching the IAEA. But the Left has not budged from its position as it views this as the only chance to prevent operationalisation of the deal.

The government is keen that the UPA-Left mechanism finalises its findings on November 16 which can then be 8220;taken into account8221; before operationalisation of the nuclear deal.

According to Congress sources, the Left was 8220;aware8221; of the government8217;s constraints on delaying matters any further as well as its intention to approach the IAEA after the debate in Parliament. The Left parties are, therefore, working on UPA constituents like the DMK, RJD and NCP to apply fresh pressure on the government not to go ahead with the deal.

No n-deal means 6,000 MW shortfall: Kakodkar

MUMBAI: Atomic Energy Commission chairman Anil Kakodkar said on Tuesday that if the nuclear deal does not go through, India will have to slash at least 6,000 MW from its projected 20,000 MW target for 2020 in the absence of international civilian nuclear cooperation. Meanwhile, speaking in New Delhi, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger warned that delays could affect the deal8217;s prospects. Emphasising the need to do the deal before George Bush8217;s presidency term ends, Kissinger said: 8220;The new administration in 2009 will negotiate a new agreement and submit it for Congress8217;s approval and the same steps would repeat.8221;