Beijing: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India has requested China to support the Indo-US civil nuclear deal when it goes before the IAEA board of governors and the NSG suppliers group, adding the Chinese leadership has said they would support India consistent with there non-proliferation obligation.

"I cannot say that I got a firm and definite answer but my own feeling is that the relationship of trust and confidence is now establishing and we are succeeding in that. When the issue comes before the relevant agencies, I don't think that China will be an obstacle. I cannot say that I have an assurance today," Dr Singh said in reply to a specific question of firm chances of China's support in the NSG.

The Prime Minister also made it clear that he had not given up hope on the much publicised Indo-US nuclear deal despite some problems back home and exuded cofidence that he will be able to convince those opposing it.

Asserting that time was running out for the deal, Dr Singh admitted that there were problems, but the government was working hard to sort them out. There are problems but efforts are on and I have not lost hope, Dr Singh said while answering questions about the Left allies opposition to the deal and the datelines fixed by the IAEA for negotiations.

On growing opposition by the supporting parties on the nuclear deal, the Prime Minister said in a Parliamentary democracy and the government had to take decision by mutual cooperation.

About the IAEA's deadline for the deal, Dr Singh said there was no deadline and the govt had already made progress to take the pact forward.

"This a esay in mutual comprehension and mutual pursuasion. That efforts is on and there is no doubt that we have to take an early decision. The IAEA has to first clear the deal. We have made progress but we have to still sort out some issues. There is no deadline," he added.

Singh also had discussions with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao on the need to promote cooperation between the atomic energy agencies of India and China for civilian nuclear energy generaiton dialogue.

India has invited the Chinese goverment to send the Chief of their atomic energy agency to come and meet his Indian counterpart.

The Chinese leadership said they would consider that. Please pick up suitably the ealier series.

Source : UNI