India's top scientists oppose US N-deal

The deal allows the export of nuclear fuel and technology to energy-hungry India for the first time since it first tested a nuclear device in 1974. US President George W. Bush is expected to sign the accord on Monday.

But the scientists said the final version of the bill, which reconciled versions of the legislation approved by the US House of Representatives and Senate, contained clauses that India had previously objected to.

"The act makes it explicit that if India conducts such tests, the nuclear cooperation will be terminated," the scientists said in a statement published by the Asian Age newspaper.

Three former chairmen of the country's Atomic Energy Commission were among those who signed the statement.

Under the deal announced by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Bush in July 2005, India, a non-signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), agreed to place its civilian-use reactors under global scrutiny.

The agreement includes a set of international safeguards to be approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the global nuclear watchdog, and to which India must adhere.

The scientists also raised objections to other clauses, which require India's participation in US efforts to "dissuade, isolate, and, if necessary, sanction and contain Iran" in its alleged efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

"These stipulations... constitute intrusion into India's independent decision-making and policy matters," the statement said.

The scientists have appealed to the government to convey their concerns to the US administration.

Prime Minister Singh is expected to make a statement on the agreement in parliament on Monday, after which lawmakers will discuss the deal.

The deal still requires the endorsement of the influential 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group.