Rice, appearing with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Saturday in New Delhi, disappointed Indian observers when she revealed the deal to allow imports of nuclear materials into India, known as the 123 Agreement, had not yet been signed by U.S. President George Bush. The U.S. Congress passed the measure last week.

Rice said Bush had been consumed by dealing with the Wall Street financial crisis but he would sign the 123 Agreement promptly.

"He wants to sign it very soon," Rice said. "I think you know that this has been a busy time for our legislative branch over the last several days. But indeed, the president very soon looks forward to signing the legislation."

New Delhi had initially hoped Bush would sign the legislation into law Friday so it could be signed by Rice and Mukherjee Saturday. But the signing ceremony was put on hold when it become apparent that was not going to happen, The Economic Times reported.