As the CPM central committee began a two-day meeting today to discuss the standoff over the Indo-US nuclear deal, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, using a metaphor of changing seasons, expressed confidence that his government would be able to tide over the crisis.

“It is certainly true that we have had some turbulence in politics here in Delhi over the (nuclear) agreement. However, I’m confident that we shall be able to overcome these problems... if winter comes, can spring be far behind?” Singh said, responding to a query on Left opposition to the deal, at a press conference he jointly addressed with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Singh also expressed “sincere hope” that when India goes to the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) to seek relaxation of the present restrictive attitude for supply of nuclear material, India will get Japan’s support.

While acknowledging that Japan understands the “necessity of India to try and meet its increasing demand for energy while addressing global warming issues, by using nuclear energy,” Abe remained non-committal about directly extending support to India at the NSG.

“We have to watch very closely the implications this will have on international nuclear proliferation and nuclear disarmament efforts,” said Abe.

But he did promise that Japan will engage in international discussions on the issue in a “thorough” manner. “I told Prime Minister Singh that it’s essential for India to address appropriately the negotiations with the IAEA in order to respond to the concerns of the world,” Abe said. He also sought India’s help in “denuclearisation of North Korea” and the fight against terrorism.

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