Page 382 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

Government of the United States of America and the Government of
India concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy’ (123 Agreement) is

released by both governments.

13 August 2007: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh makes a suo motu

statement on the deal in Parliament.

17 August 2007: The CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat says the
‘honeymoon (with the government) may be over but the marriage can go

on’.

4 September 2007: In India, the UPA-Left committee to discuss the

nuclear deal is set up.

25 February 2008: Left parties in India say the ruling party would have
to choose between the deal and its government’s stability.

3–6 March 2008: Left parties warn of ‘serious consequences’ if the
nuclear deal is operationalised and set a deadline asking the government

to make it clear by 15 March whether it intended to proceed with the
nuclear deal or drop it.

7–14 March 2008: The CPI writes to Prime Minister Singh, warns of

withdrawal of support if the government goes ahead with the deal and

puts political pressure on the Manmohan Singh government not to go
ahead with the deal.

23 April 2008: The Indian government says it will seek the sense of the
House on the 123 Agreement before it is taken up for ratification by the

American Congress.

17 June 2008: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee meets
Prakash Karat, asks the Left to allow the Government to go ahead with

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreement.

30 June 2008: The Indian Prime Minister says his government is

prepared to face Parliament before operationalising the deal.

8 July 2008: Left parties in India withdraw support to the Government.