“We are in the dialogue stage,” Mr Mukherjee added, replying to a discussion on his earlier statement of India’s foreign policy-related developments.

The comment came just after CPI-M’s Sitaram Yechury had said, “If it (the Government) falters, we will pull down the government. We cannot afford to be drawn into the strategic tie-ups. We will not permit the government to succumb to US pressure.”

He had also said, “Though we support the Government now, we will be the first to oppose the government if it succumbs to the pressures.”

Diverting policy
Referring to the India-US military exercise that also includes Japan, Australia and Singapore, he said it was a “clear indication” of India becoming part of “a set up under the leadership of the US in the region” and that India was under pressure to “divert” its foreign policy.

However, Mr Mukherjee sought to counter the contention saying that the negotiations with IAEA regarding India-specific safeguards were advancing, and added, “When the entire process is over, we will come and seek Parliament’s opinion. Let that stage come.”

The minister rejected BJP’s demand for a joint parliamentary committee on the agreement, saying no international deal had been ever put to the scrutiny of Parliament, though the deal had been discussed five times in Parliament.

Participating in the discussion, Leader of the Opposition Jaswant Singh accused the Government of dragging its feet on the deal because of the Left threats. “Despite our protestation, and despite the protestations of some of your allies, go ahead if you want to, but please make up your mind whether you want to go this way or that way,” he said.