Saturday, February 25 2006 11:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: After three days of talks on the nuclear deal, the US today (Feb 25,2006) said there were 'remaining differences' but it was hopeful that these could be 'closedbefore the visit of President George W Bush here next week.

"The US and India held extensive talks over the past three days. There are remaining differences but the US hopes they can be closed before the President visits India," the US embassy said in a statement after Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns left New Delhi this morning.

Burns held intense negotiations with Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran to work out implementation of the July 18 nuclear deal signed during the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington.

Diplomatic sources said the two sides would be working over the next few days before Bush arrives here to conclude the deal.

Burns, whose discussions with Saran extended into late last night said yesterday "There are issues that we have to resolve before we can have a final agreement. That may take some time. I don't know how much longer it will take. It could take several days. We have to see how it happens."

Asked how much ground was yet to be covered, he said, "I think we made some progress but there is further progress that needs to be made."

Burns said the two sides had a good day of discussions.

"We have not reached the end of discussions. I think the two Governments are trying very hard to see our way through to the finish line. But it is going to be further work and we will have further talks," he said.

The US official said "Both Governments are operating from goodwill. We trust each other. We both want to have this agreement".

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said the two sides had "Detailed and productive discussions. There was greater clarity on the issues under discussion".

He said, "Progress has been made in the talks."