PM: Any patriotic Indian will welcome n-deal

On his meeting with Bush, the PM said he had 8220;not got a final answer8221; from the meeting but both sides were 8220;determined8221; to conclude the deal indicating that it could be sealed even before his visit to the US in September for the UN General Assembly.

8220;It would be premature on my part to suggest a time table, but why September, why not earlier,8221; he responded when asked about whether he hoped to have an agreement before his trip.

Singh said Bush 8220;appreciated Indian concerns8221; and while NSAs of both countries had a detailed discussion, he remained positive as the US President has a 8220;sense of ownership8221; for this deal. The PM also sought to play down apprehensions over the deal falling due the differences between both sides and said these fears were 8220;speculative8221;.

Summing up his remarks, the PM underlined the significance of the deal which would 8220;end India 8216;s nuclear isolation8221; besides addressing energy needs of the country.