New Delhi: The Left parties on Sunday said the "bad bargain" by India with the U.S. in economic, defence, agriculture and other crucial fields dealt during President George W. Bush's visit was detrimental to the country's commercial and strategic interests.

The four Left parties supporting the UPA government - CPI(M), CPI, Forward Bloc and RSP - will analyse and review Bush's visit in a day or two.

Left leaders also took a serious view of the U.S. President "advising" India to open up FDI in all sectors, including agriculture and services, and join the fight with the U.S. for "freedom and democracy," especially in Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Zimbabwe.

Communist Party of India general secretary A. B. Bardhan said: "We believe that Mr. Bush has struck a deal with the Manmohan Singh government which will benefit the American corporates and boost the U.S. arms indsutry."

The CPI veteran said the agreement on agricultural research was equally worrying, as it would open up the sector to "predatory" MNCs like Monsanto and Walmart.

CPI(M) Parliamentary group leader in the Lok Sabha, Basudeb Acharia, demanded that the Prime Minister make a detailed statement on all aspects of the agreements.

"He came hawking"

CPI National Secretary Shamim Faizi said Mr. Bush came "hawking" and in his Purana Qila speech, named certain MNCs, which he wanted to see in India. "For that, he advised the Congress-led government to open up FDI in all sectors."

"In agriculture, he wants a change in the Indian pattern of production to create markets for U.S. agricultural products. He even wants to seek and occupy a space in the services sector," Mr. Faizi said.

"Of course, banking and insurance are top priority for the U.S.," Mr. Faizi, editor of the party organ `New Age' said.

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat said: "The UPA government by agreeing to the pre-determined framework of the U.S. is pushing India into a relationship which will not serve the interests of the Indian people." — UNI

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