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NEW DELHI, Dec. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said
here Thursday that India would not be bound to carry out its obligations in
context of the Indo-US nuclear deal, in case the US failed to do so.
He, however, made it clear that though the pact depended strictly on
reciprocity, there had been no stalemate in the deal so far.
"If the US does not carry out its obligations, we too are free to not carry
out ours," he said.
Certain allies of the Government had expressed concern over more
concessions sought by the US from India to have the deal cleared.
The Prime Minister said that the joint statement, issued by US President
George W. Bush and him on July 18 after they signed their deal, was a "binding
commitment."
According to the deal signed in July this year, the United States promised
to help India achieve civil nuclear cooperation from other nations. The deal
also noted that the President would seek from the US Congress to adjust their
laws to enable them cooperate in civil nuclear energy arena with India.
In return, India said it would be ready to assume the same responsibilities
and practices as other leading countries with advanced nuclear technology.
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