Communists 'quit India coalition'

Communist parties in India say they are withdrawing support for the governing coalition over a civilian nuclear agreement with the United States. The communists' decision came after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the government would go ahead with the controversial deal. The communists have 59 members in the lower house of parliament. They say the deal would give the US undue influence over India's foreign and nuclear policy. Under the terms of the accord, India would get access to US civilian nuclear technology and fuel. In return, Delhi would open its civilian nuclear facilities to inspection - but its nuclear weapons sites would remain... [read full story]