INDIA:A controversial nuclear energy deal between New Delhi and Washington has split Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh's three-year coalition. The loss of support from Communist Party allies may leave Mr Singh's Congress Party in a parliamentary minority and threatens the possibility of a general election.
The 60 left-wing MPs with whose support the Congress-led administration is surviving are demanding that the government defer the nuclear deal with the US which both governments categorically insist is "sealed" and "non-negotiable".
They also want India to defer associated negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency and the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group until their concerns over the recently-concluded deal with the US that allows Washington to conduct civilian nuclear commerce with India, are addressed.
The one-off deal seeks to end three decades of US sanctions on nuclear trade with India by giving it access to atomic fuel and equipment to help meet its soaring energy needs, while allowing it to retain its nuclear weapons without signing any non-proliferation treaties.
It also permits India to reprocess spent nuclear fuel, seen as a major concession and which is opposed by some US congressmen who argue that it enhances nuclear proliferation.
The communists, however, claim the nuclear deal makes India's foreign policy hostage to the US, limits its strategic options, and fails to meet Mr Singh's assurances of protecting the national interests he listed in parliament in the run-up to finalising the negotiations in Washington in July.
Mr Singh, for his part, has refused to back down. In an uncharacteristic display of pique, he even challenged the communists to "do their worst" and withdraw support for his government.
In the prevailing acrimonious and tense atmosphere fuelled by rumours and speculation, the somewhat brusque senior communist leader AB Bardhan declared that the "honeymoon" with the government was over and the left parties would not hesitate to file "divorce papers".
Analysts said the confrontation had deteriorated into a battle of political egos over the intricate nuclear deal, with neither side willing to "blink" or arrive at a compromise.
They said the present situation also jeopardised India's credibility as a reliable partner at a time when it was seeking overseas investment and emerging as an economic powerhouse being wooed by the West.
Mr Singh's government, meanwhile, is hamstrung as it cannot afford to delay the deal and needs to close it and seek the approval of US Congress before the end of this year ahead of the American presidential election looming in 2008. If not concluded by the end of the year, the pact would lapse with chances of a resurrection remote, analysts said.
There are, however, divisions in communist ranks, with many deputies fearing that the confrontation could unravel into political chaos.
One way suggested out of the impasse by some communists would involve the government forming a panel of diplomats, atomic experts and left-wing politicians to scrutinise the deal, while at the same time as pursuing global nuclear approvals.
The left, wary of bringing down the government, sees this as a face-saver as it, too, is not overly keen to face elections.
Besides, the communist parties have never exercised as much influence as they do now without the attendant responsibilities of governing. Many left-wingers are unsure whether fresh elections would catapult them back to an equally powerful position.