NEW DELHI: With the Left allies stepping up the campaign against the Indo-US nuclear deal, the Congress has come out with a booklet rejecting charges that the agreement would affect India's ability to conduct an independent foreign policy and strategic programme.

Putting forward its point of view in the key matter, the party has also denied that the 123 agreement would in any way affect India's right to conduct nuclear tests.

The 21-page booklet brought out to counter "inadequate information, cynical criticism and partisan politics" said any informed discussion must trace India's "long and difficult" journey to attain nuclear self-reliance.

"This agreement is not at the cost of the autonomy of our strategic nuclear programme, our three-stage programme and our research and development activities," it said.

Referring to the Hyde Act it said "it is only a US law. It is not binding on India. We have entered into a bilateral agreement with the US."

Besides it said the Hyde Act is an "enabling legislation" passed in the US Congress.

"As far as India is concerned we are committed to the terms and provisions of the 123 agreement only," it said.

(Courtesy: PTI)