Mulford refuses to fuel fire

NEW DELHI: On a day when the Rajya Sabha debated the India-US nuclear deal, US ambassador David Mulford took particular care not to make any comments on the 123 agreement that would give a handle to the opposition to embarrass the government.

At a felicitation by the American Chamber of Commerce, he said India-US relations were strengthening in all spheres.

Last month, Mulford had received an award in Washington for exemplary diplomatic service. He also received a special letter of thanks from President George W Bush on the occasion, which he read aloud at the meeting. 

“Under your leadership, we have seen the partnership between the US and India strengthen and expand on a range of global issues,” the letter read.

Mulford has done much to promote India-US ties but occasionally, his statements have been misinterpreted by opposition parties here. Soon after the 123 agreement was finalised, Mulford had urged New Delhi to quickly begin negotiations with the IAEA so that the Nuclear Supplier Group waiver could go ahead and the US Congress vote could be completed.

“Time is of essence,” he had said, pointing to the fact that the US Congress would get involved in the presidential elections and may not have the time or the inclination for the up and down vote.

On Tuesday, however, Mulford firmly refused to answer questions on the agreement.

“In the recent period, we have been respectful of India’s democratic process and will continue to be,” the envoy said. The message was that Washington respected India’s democratic credentials and understood that there has to be a debate before a deal can be wrapped up.

g_seema@dnaindia.net