India's nuclear deal seen as crucial

LUCKNOW, India, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- India could face international "isolation" if its nuclear deal with the United States collapses, the Indian government said Sunday.

''If the agreement is not through, we could have to face isolation and possibly isolation in sanction too,'' External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.

He added India and the IAEA, the United Nations' atomic watchdog agency, remain far apart on a safeguards agreement necessary for the civilian nuclear deal to move forward, PTI said.

''My ministry is aware of these challenges and are making all attempts by focusing on bilateral and multilateral engagements for cooperation with source countries,'' he said.

The U.S.-Indo accord is aimed at helping India develop civilian nuclear power and decrease its dependence on fossil-burning fuels, the news agency reported.