MADRAS -- The Indian-American nuclear deal signed in New Delhi in March seems to be foundering. The pact, which would give India access to American civil nuclear technology, must be approved by the U.S. Congress before it can become law.

Although the accord -- signed by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and U.S. President George W. Bush -- was opposed by many people, including some political parties and experts in India, two months ago it seemed set to sail smoothly through Congress.

The hitch in the deal was India's ongoing nuclear-weapons program and New Delhi's refusal to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Advocates of a world free of nuclear weapons question whether such a country should enjoy the benefits of America's civil nuclear technology.