Thursday, October 27 2005 17:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Ending a four-month long boycott, the Left parties today (Oct 27, 2005) returned to the coordination committee and opposed FDI in the retail sector while asking the Government to adopt an independent foreign policy, specifically on the Iran nuclear issue.

"The Left parties gave a note on FDI in retail trade. The government has agreed to study the note and give its response," Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the two-and-a-half hour meeting of the Left-UPA Coordination Committee.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and top Left leaders including veteran leaders Harkishan Singh Surjeet and A B Bardhan.

"The discussion was quite fruitful and government will give response on the note on retail trade and other issues, given by us to it. We will continue discussions", Communist Party of India (CPI) National Secretary D Raja said.

On the controversial Iran nuclear issue on which India had voted along with the US favouring the IAEA resolution against Tehran, Chidambaram said views were exchanged on New Delhi's stand on it.

"After some discussion, it was decided to await the return of External Affairs Minister (K Natwar Singh who is away in Russia). Hence, the matter will be taken up at the next meeting", the Finance Minister said.

The Left parties had started their boycott of these meetings to protest the government decision to dilute its stake in profit-making BHEL. They resumed participation after the Centre rescinded its decision in this regard.