Saturday, January 21 2006 09:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Indicating that the nuclear deal was unlikely to be implemented before President George W Bush's visit here in early March, the US yesterday (Jan 20, 2006) said there were 'difficulties ahead' and 'much more progress' needed to be made in the negotiations unique in nature.

After his two-day talks with Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran here on the July 18 Civilian Nuclear Cooperation deal, US Under Secretary Nicholas Burns said the Bush administration was committed to implement that accord with its "global partner" India as it will have "enormous benefits" for both the countries.

"With regard to the civilian nuclear cooperation agreement, we remain hopeful that we will be able to achieve this agreement. It is difficult to undertake but it is very unique to undertake," he told a joint press conference with Saran referring to the ongoing negotiations for its implementations.

Noting that the situation and India's position were "unique", he said "complexity and difficulties" in the process were inherent considering that such negotiations were being undertaken for the first time.

Burns said during his talks with Saran he had "learnt a lot about India's perspective" and discussions would continue in the future.