Terming the Indo-US nuclear deal as the "tipping point" in the new relationship between the two countries, a key aide of President-elect Barack Obama has expressed confidence that the new administration will take forward that agreement and build on it despite initial reservations the Democrat had on the issue.
Former Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Karl Inderfurth said US would "encourage" India to follow suit if Washington ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Inderfurth hoped that the "significant agreement" concluded by the Bush administration will be pursued by Obama, who is also supporter of the landmark pact between the two countries.
"I think he is a strong supporter of the agreement. So, this agreement to me as I often said that Brajesh Mishra once describe President Clinton's visit to India in March 2000 as a turning point in this new relationship," Inderfurth told Karan Thapar on CNN-IBN's 'Devil's Advocate'.
The Obama aide said he would suggest the Obama administration to "continue, continue and continue" the relationship with India for which a strong foundation was laid by President George W Bush and former President Bill Clinton during his eight-year tenure.
"I would describe the agreement signed and pursued by President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the tipping point. I consider this as fundamental for our new relationship and I have no doubt that the Democratic administration is going to taking this agreement and build on it otherwise as well," he said when asked whether Obama will honour the fuel supplies assurances given by Bush.
{{/usCountry}}"I would describe the agreement signed and pursued by President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as the tipping point. I consider this as fundamental for our new relationship and I have no doubt that the Democratic administration is going to taking this agreement and build on it otherwise as well," he said when asked whether Obama will honour the fuel supplies assurances given by Bush.
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