"What Burns offered to India during his visit to New Delhi is a new symbol of strategic relations between the two countries," said senior foreign affairs analyst A.B. Mahapatra.

He said since the signing of civilian nuclear energy agreement between the two sides, there had been attempts by some to scuttle the pact. He said after Burns' assurance the deal would be implemented before President Bush's visit to India next year, India would have to separate its defense and civilian nuclear installations so the Bush administration could press Congress to provide supply of civilian nuclear technology to India.

Burns, during his visit to New Delhi over the weekend, held wide-ranging discussions with the Indian Foreign Ministry and Foreign Minister Natwar Singh on issues relating to nuclear energy. Both sides also explored the possibility of further cooperation in other fields such as like space technology, science, agriculture and education.

"India has delivered on some of its commitments contained in July 18 civilian nuclear agreement with the U.S. and is becoming a partner in the global non-proliferation regime," said Indian Foreign Secretary Shayam Saran after his meeting with Burns.

He said there would be an agreement that can be implemented before Bush visits early next year. Saran said implementation of the pact was complicated, but both countries were committed to completing it.

"The U.S. saw India as a great power, which would work with it in the promotion of peace and stability in the world," Burns said.

During discussions, Burns and Saran also discussed the implications of India's vote against Iran's nuclear program at the International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Vienna in September.

"Both sides sought clarifications from each other on the issue," said an Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Burns' visit was to prepare the ground for Bush's trip. He allayed Indian fears the nuclear pact would come into effect before the presidential trip.

"The U.S. is trying its utmost to see that it works before the visit," Burns said.

Under the deal signed in July, India agreed to separate its civilian and defense nuclear facilities in exchange for civilian nuclear technology from the United States.

"India's civil and military nuclear installations are spread over a large number of institutions and separating them from each other is not an easy task. It will take time for India to fulfill its commitment on this," said Mahapatra.

Foreign Ministry officials said the Indian side also raised the issue of the U.S. inability to persuade Nuclear Suppliers Group to open up its door for India.

Burns said the administration was fully committed to implementing the deal and talks were being held with the U.S. Congress.

"I am sure progress would be made in this shortly," he said.

Burns' visit drew a mixed response from the country's political establishment.

The left parties, which support the ruling United Progressive government, described it as a new era in the India-U.S. strategic partnership. The main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party was muted as the UPA government was harvesting the crop it sowed during its tenure in power.

The ruling Congress Party hailed the visit, saying it would further enhance friendly relations between the two countries.

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