Left goes BJP way, nukes pact with US

NEW DELHI: The Left parties on Tuesday rejected the Indo-US nuclear agreement and urged the Centre not to proceed with it.

The Left parties, whose support is key to the existence of the UPA government, called for a review of Indo-US relations and said they would push for a constitutional amendment to ensure parliament ratification for international treaties and certain bilateral agreements.

With the BJP, and now, the Left opposing the nuclear deal, more than 300 MPs in the Lok Sabha are seen to be resisting the accord that will help India gain access to US technology and equipment for its power plants. The matter will debated during the monsoon session of parliament, beginning August 10.

The Left parties said the pact cannot be seen outside the context of the Henry Hyde Act. The Hyde Act envisages India's joint participation in a US programme to further nuclear non-proliferation goals.

Left leaders are opposed to a clause in the deal requiring the US President to report annually to the Congress whether India's foreign policy is “congruent to the US foreign policy” and whether India is allied with the US in isolating Iran and imposing sanctions against the country.

CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, his CPI counterpart AB Bardhan, CPI secretary D Raja, RSP leader Abani Roy and Forward Bloc secretary Devarajan were of the view that the deal “should not be seen in isolation” and that it is being used to further US interests.

Karat said while Indian commitments are binding and are in perpetuity, some of the commitments made by the US are either quite “ambiguous or are ones that can be terminated.”

Karat said whether fuel supply will continue after the termination of the agreement depends on the US Congress. According to Karat, “The Hyde Act states US will work with other NSG countries to stop all fuel and other supplies to India if the agreement is terminated under US laws.”