Delay will make nuclear deal difficult: US

The United States has once again reminded India that time is running out for the India-United States nuclear agreement, saying everyday that is delayed makes the pact much more difficult to be implemented.

"We are talking to India about the deal, in as much as they are briefing us on their efforts," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters.

The spokesman was asked whether Washington was in touch with New Delhi on the nuclear deal and if there is still time on the US side to get the deal done in 2008.

McCormack said that a separate branch of government as well as other international agencies like the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency will be dealing with the deal.

"...And every single day that the Indian government delays and has delayed is a day that makes it much more difficult to get this done," he said.

"All of that said, you know, we'll, of course, continue to work very closely with Senator Jospeh Biden, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as others on that committee, should the Indian government get to a different place," the spokesman said.