Reality Check: Apart from being a poor business call because such a step would actually hurt US firms, the Bush administration is also in negotiations with the Congress to have such speed-breakers removed.

• The Bills passed by the committees of the US Senate and House of Representatives say relaxation of non-proliferation barriers are only with respect to nuclear fuel and reactors but the sanctions on fuel reprocessing, enrichment and production of heavy water remain for equipment and technologies.

Reality Check: The US does not give reprocessing technology to any country, including nuclear powers as per law. However, the enrichment issue is of concern and one on which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had spoken to President Bush. The Indians want a clarification on the issue.

• Sequencing had been changed, and it was now being insisted that India sign the additional protocol on nuclear safeguards with the IAEA before the US Congress approves the legislation.

Reality Check: India has said it will not sign the protocol unless the Congress approves the legislation. But it does not mean India will not negotiate with the IAEA in the interim and reach an understanding on nuclear safeguards. This agreement need not be inked.

Indian government sources have said, India’s strategy is to conclude an agreement with the IAEA but make it conditional on the US Congress approving the legislation.