WASHINGTON: Choosing to steer clear of the ongoing political churning in India over the civilian nuclear deal, the US has said it was committed to working with New Delhi for the success of the agreement which will not be renegotiated.
"My understanding is that the Indian government is working through the issues internally. Obviously, we would have no comment on that. That is an issue for them to decide" State Department's Acting Spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said.
He said the Bush Administration was working with the Congress here to move towards this agreement.
"And we will continue that effort. We believe that this is an opportunity for India to have access to cheap electrical, low-cost electrical power, and an opportunity for the people to have economic development beyond their capacities at this point. So we're working our side of the issue here. The Indian government is working their side," Gallegos said last evening.
"And we're committed to, hopefully, coming together and succeeding in this" he added.
The spokesman was asked if the United States is looking at renegotiating the agreement.
"No. I'm not looking to change any policy on that issue from this podium today, or most likely the rest of this week," Gallegos said.
The official would not respond to a query on what India would do if countries like China and Pakistan conduct nuclear tests.
"I think you should probably ask the Indian government leaders about that issue, the Indian parliamentarians. I'll leave them to comment on that" he said.
Gallegos was asked whether his statement on 'consulting' with Congress meant trying to change either the terms of the 123 agreement concluded a couple of weeks ago or that the administration is trying to change the provisions of the law that was passed in December that governs aspect of the agreement.
"No, that was more of a general statement that we're having conversations to express the position of the administration and this department on why we believe this is an important initiative and why we believe it should ultimately succeed," Gallegos replied.
