Sunday, July 10 2005 13:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday night (July 9, 2005) indicated the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle in the near future but was non-committal if it would happen before his visit to the United States next weekend.

"There is always a possibility," Singh told accompanying reporters while returning from a three-day visit to the United Kingdom. He was asked whether there was possibility of a cabinet reshuffle in the near future.

Asked if the reshuffle would take place before his visit to the US, he said, "I cannot say that."

Regarding the protest of the Left parties against the India-US framework Defence agreement, Singh said Left parties could see the documents which had nothing that affects national interest.

"The two countries have agreed on co-operation, it meant India and the US are willing to work together. It does not mean we are surrendering our sovereignty," he said.

On the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Coordination Committee meeting today (July 10, 2005) to resolve the differences on BHEL disinvestment issue, Singh said, "I am confident that we will be able to resolve the issue."

He parried a question whether it meant that the Government would go ahead with the disinvestment of 10 per cent Government stake in BHEL.

Asked about the US Opposition to the proposed Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, the Prime Minister said, "We are not a client of the United States."

Asked if the European Union wants a trade off industrial tariff in WTO negotiations for concessions to developing countries on the issue of farm subsidies, the Prime Minister said, "It is too early to say anything now.

There are differences with the US and the EU on the elimination of farm subsidies. But, we are hopeful of building a consensus."

He made it clear that India and other developing countries would insist on addressing livelihood concerns of poor farmers.

"India has a lot of small and marginal farmers and their interest need to be protected," Singh said.