Page last updated at 16:51 GMT, Friday, 11 July 2008 17:51 UK

India confidence vote date is set

Sonia Gandhi

I have no doubt that we shall prove our majority and work to fulfil our remaining agenda
Congress party leader Sonia Gandhi

The leaders of India's coalition say they will seek a parliamentary vote of confidence on 22 July.

Their decision follows the withdrawal of communist support for the Congress party-led coalition.

The communists withdrew support in protest at the Indian government's decision to push ahead with a civilian nuclear deal with the United States.

If the government loses the vote India faces early elections and the nuclear deal would probably be scuttled.

The government says the nuclear deal is needed to meet soaring energy demands, but the communists say it could give the US too much influence over India.



Prime Minister Manmohan Singh decided to hold the vote after meeting Indian President Pratibha Patil on Thursday.

A two-day special session of the lower house of parliament - the Lok Sabha - will be convened on 21 July with the confidence vote scheduled for the following day.


Manmohan Singh
Approval needed from IAEA, expected in late July
Consent also required from 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group
Congress to approve deal before President Bush signs it into law









India gives nuclear plans to IAEA
10 Jul 08 |  South Asia
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05 Mar 08 |  South Asia

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