The New Nation - Internet Edition

Reuters, New Delhi

India's prime minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday his government was seeking the "broadest possible consensus" on a contentious nuclear deal with the United States, a pact opposed by his leftist allies. Indian communists, who provide vital support to Singh's ruling alliance, say they will pull down the government if it tries to push through the deal, which will give India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and technology. Washington has warned the deal might fall through if not concluded by July. Meanwhile, the United States said on Wednesday time was tight to seal a controversial nuclear deal with India, but it was still possible to wrap it up if it reached the U.S. Congress by July, ahead of the U.S. presidential poll. The deal is caught up in India's domestic politics, with the communists who shore up the government threatening to withdraw support if the pact is pushed through.