Friday, February 24 2006 10:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: As India and the US continued intense talks to conclude the nuclear deal, President George W Bush has expressed hope that an agreement would be reached on the separation issue during his visit to New Delhi next week, observing that it is not an 'unrealistic request'.

He emphasised the importance of encouraging and aiding India in the civilian nuclear programme, saying development of alternative energy sources in the country would enable a check on rising oil prices.

"First things first is to go to India and hopefully reach an agreement on separation, and then bring that agreement back and start selling it to the Congress," Bush, who embarks on a three-day visit to India from March one, told two Indian journalists here.

"But we can't bring anything back until we have the agreement," he said adding 'that's happening now.' Appreciating Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his 'courage' in 'laying out a way forward' by signing with him the nuclear deal on July 18 last year, the US President said "there is a spirit of goodwill and cooperation (between the two countries).

During the interaction, Bush spoke on various issues like the need for a solution to the Kashmir issue that will be acceptable to all, including people of the state, India's candidature for permanent membership of UN Security Council, and Iran's nuclear programme.