Trying hard to build a “broad-based consensus” at home over the Indo-US nuclear — Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said “there is some delay” but “we have not reached the end of the road yet” — the Congress-led UPA government is said to be looking at an early-December window to approach the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since it cannot be seen reneging on an international commitment.

In the intervening period, the government hopes to broaden support for the nuclear deal during the winter session of Parliament starting November 15. With the BJP not likely to undermine the strategic partnership with the US, the government is counting on a favourable “sense of the house” on Indo-US engagement.

In fact, Prime Minister Singh, responding to questions on the deal at a joint press briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said: “We have run into some problems domestically that we are trying to resolve, though as a government, we remain committed”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 — good for India, good for the world and the global non-proliferation movement... we are a democracy and in a democracy, ultimately you have to take along those with you... there is need to evolve a broad-based consensus in our country and efforts are on in that direction.”

Merkel, on her part, said: “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.”

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