In fact, Sharma defended a series of questions from members of the Left parties, the BJP and the Samajwadi Party and categorically said that the deal related to only the civilian nuclear cooperation and that India’s strategic programme was “free from any interference”.

“Our position remains the same,” Sharma said, adding there were “no fresh obligations” or “new conditions” from the US.

But as the issue widened, Malhotra wanted a debate on the issue and the Speaker said he had no objection on this. That’s when the Prime Minister intervened and made his statement.

The PM said that he had come to the House on more than one occasion to clarify the Government’s position on the deal and that it had been making efforts to ensure “utmost transparency” with a view to promoting “overall accountability” with respect to the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal.

Thereafter, when Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) wanted to know the economic viability of atomic power generation, Sharma said that the deal provides ladditional access to energy sources and was also environment friendly.