I wrote that this is disquieting, because the Americans are shifting the goalposts. There will be a House resolution, there will be a Senate resolution, which is going to be worse. Then a combined resolution, which will be worse. Let them say it will be reciprocal, the waiver will be permanent...

• But what’s that got to do with you vis a vis your party? Are you suggesting your own party has been bought over by the Americans?

Let me tell you one thing. There is a very strong feeling in the party on the nuclear deal, as it’s shaping from day to day...

• Are you saying that you are being sacrificed because of American pressure, because of your nuanced or changed position on the nuclear deal?

I won’t put it in those specific terms but I am assuming this knowing my background, knowing what the Americans thought of me. When I was appointed foreign minister there was great resistance that I should run the foreign ministry.

• Will you elaborate?

No, I don’t want to.

• But it was substantive or just something you heard?

Yes it was substantive. That’s why it took so long to announce the cabinet. I understand the difference between foreign policy and diplomacy. Foreign policy is what you do, diplomacy is how you do it. Ask our diplomats, they’re very unhappy at what’s going on. Jaswant Singh was running around Mr Talbott, Mr Shyam Saran goes wherever Mr Burns calls him. The Prime Minister should pick up his phone and say Mr President, I have serious misgivings, I want your clarification.