London: In an effort to know first hand the progress made to get the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal passed by US Congress, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran met American Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns in London on Thursday.
Both Saran and Burns reviewed the US draft of the agreement on civil nuclear cooperation at the Indian High Commission in London.
It was not clear if Burns demanded a commitment that India would not test a nuclear device again.
But even before the Saran's departure for London, it was made clear that India would not budge from its unilateral moratorium.
Burns described the talks as productive and said the deal was significant for both countries.
He said the US was working with the Nuclear Suppliers Group on India's case.
"We are also arguing for support for India at the nuclear suppliers group. We're a great champion of the fact that we think India should be given the authorisation or permission by the nuclear suppliers group to enable civil nuclear trade," Burns said.
Their talks assume importance as they come before the Nuclear Suppliers Group's meeting in Rio de Janeiro on May 29 to discuss the exemption for India in its plenary.
Both the US and Indian governments remain committed to the agreement despite facing flak from the opponents of the deal.
The two officials would also decide when the negotiating teams will meet.
These meetings would add to the details that may help bring the India-specific legislation to vote by next month end.
(With inputs from PTI)
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