Friday, February 17 2006 12:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: As differences persisted on the Indo-US nuclear deal, Washington has said it is willing to send its pointsman Nicholas Burns to New Delhi next week if it could help in concluding negotiations on a separation plan of India's civilian and nuclear facilities.

"We are trying to do something unique that we have not done before," US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia designate Richard Boucher said yesterday while replying to questions at his Congressional hearing on the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Amidst reports in India that the US was shifting the goalpost on the deal reached on July 18 between President George W Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Washington, he said Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nihcolas Burns is willing to visit New Delhi if it could help resolve the issue.

During his visit to New Delhi early next month Bush is expected to review the progress made on implementation of the deal which is yet to be approved by the US Congress.

Reports that US wants India to put its Fast Breeder Reactor programme under IAEA safeguards has triggered a political storm in India, raising question over the future of the deal.

"We have embarked upon building a global strategic partnership with India. President (George W Bush) will be travelling to India in the coming weeks to continue a strong, forward looking relationship with this rising global power," Boucher said in prepared remarks to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee at his confirmation hearing.