New Delhi, Jan 31: Apparently in an effort to sell the Indo-US nuclear deal to the Left, the Congress is seeking to use China's willingness to carry out civilian nuclear cooperation with India. "The Prime Minister's successful visit to China has proved once again that India has evolved a strong and independent foreign policy. A policy that we are proud to espouse," said an editorial note in the latest issue of the Congress mouthpiece. The Left, while opposing the Indo-US nuclear deal, has accused the UPA government of compromising the country's independent foreign policy.

The write-up in 'Congress Sandesh' also makes an apparent effort to present the nuclear deal as a broad-based one involving countries other than the US and hence seeks Left's approval for it. "Those who accused the Prime Minister of following a pro-American policy and have made a huge issue of the Indo-US relationship encircling China should examine their postures in the light of China's willingness to carry out civilian nuclear cooperation with India if we are able to put in place a nuclear agreement with the IAEA and the NSG," it said.

It said the nuclear deal was important because it would move India out of the technology apartheid that it has suffered under since its nuclear tests. "Today, India is poised to emerge as a knowledge hub and a country whose science and technology would benefit from regular exchange with the world community," it said, adding the deal would allow the country to import all dual use technology, thereby strengthening its own efforts.