New Delhi: The United States has assured India that the Civilian Nuclear agreement would remain within the framework of the July 18 Joint Statement.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told a delegation of Indian Members of Parliament in Washington that whatever agreement goes through, would be within the framework of the July 18, 2005, agreement, according to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Rice also expressed hope that the deal would go through in the near future.
This is in contrast to what Rice had told the delegation on Tuesday that India should be prepared to see some "changes or amendments" to the Indo-US civilian nuclear cooperation deal before it is endorsed by the US Congress.
These "changes or amendments" would be carried out within the parameters of the deal to ensure that it was not re-negotiated, Rice is understood to have told the visiting Indian Parliamentary delegation during a 30-minute meeting at the State Department.
India promptly rejected the suggestion saying New Delhi remained committed to the July 18, 2005, Joint Statement.
"The government of India's position remains the same. Its commitments are those that are outlined in the July 18, (2005), Joint Statement," an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.
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