But a reality check of the issues raised by the CPI(M) shows there is no clash between the steps taken by the Government in continuing negotiations with the US to take the deal forward, and India being able to have an independent foreign policy. Given below is a list of concerns raised by the CPI(M) and a reality check on them:

• The two Bills in the US Congress have provisions that seek to lock India’s foreign policy to US requirements and subject its scientific and development capabilities to intrusive inspections by the IAEA and US inspectors.

Reality Check: What is happening in the US, is part of the Congress resolution that is not binding on the US Administration or the Indian government. Stiff conditions were placed before China while giving it MFN status on restoration of democracy, but it did not prevent China from becoming the US’s largest trading partner.

• The annual certification clause contained in the draft Bills to ensure compliance by India meant India could lose out on the cooperation if it displeased the US administration or the US Congress.

Reality Check: This is an internal legal requirement of the US and the US President gives various annual certifications and it is for him to determine the nature of the agreement. Such certifications are not binding on India.

• There is an added clause on the supply of nuclear fuel in perpetuity, which had earlier said India could tap others in the Nuclear Suppliers Group if the US did not supply fuel, that the US would influence others to stop fuel supply in case it did.

... contd.