The Left parties, stoutly opposing the deal in its present form, have threatened to withdraw support to the government if steps were taken to operationalise it.

The US has nudged India into concluding the agreement with the IAEA and seek NSG waiver by May to give the Congress time to have a final vote on the deal.

During his recent visit to India, assistant secretary of state Richard Boucher said time was 'very tight' and there is lot of work to be done.

The Left parties have also raised concerns over the Hyde Act, which they feel would restrict India's strategic nuclear programme.

Washington, on the other hand, has made it clear that the 'domestic' legislation would have to be taken into account in operation of the civil nuclear cooperation.

Image: Mukherjee and Rice discussed regional issues, besides the key discussions on the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

Also read: IAEA safeguards agreement is ready: Pranab

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