With the government virtually putting the nuclear deal in the cold storage, a disappointed US has started reaching out to parties opposing the agreement in an attempt to garner support.
US Ambassador David C Mulford met Leader of the Opposition L K Advani here and is understood to have sought BJP’s support for the deal. Mulford is believed to have attempted to assuage BJP’s concerns over the agreement. Advani gave him a patient hearing but made no commitments on support to the deal, sources said. BJP, while favouring a closer strategic relationship with the US, is opposed to the deal as it feels it will affect India’s independent foreign policy.
Wednesday’s meeting assumes significance as it comes ahead of the planned special session of Parliament to discuss nuclear deal. The US envoy had earlier met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon.
