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U.S. Senate panel clears bill

Washington: In yet another twist to the controversy dogging the India-U.S. nuclear deal, a powerful Senate panel has approved a bill that seeks to prevent the transfer to India of nuclear equipment, materials or technology from the Nuclear Suppliers Group countries or any other source in the event of violation of U.S. laws.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted overwhelmingly to approve the bill by 19-2 sending it to the full Senate, but questions remain whether Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President George Bush would be able to sign the 123 agreement when they meet on Thursday. The U.S. Congress, yet to approve the deal, is busy with the financial crisis and it is not clear whether the deal will pass muster in the current session slated to end on September 26. — PTI