U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told India on Wednesday that "the clock is ticking" on the civilian nuclear accord between the U.S. and India which was stalled by the communist allies of Indian government.  

Gates closed his two-day visit to India which was focused on the U.S. arms sales and growing military relationship. He said that even though the nuclear accord might not be reached, this will not affect the military ties.

He said: "The clock is ticking in terms of how much time is available to get all the different aspects of an agreement implemented," AFP reports.

India was warned by Senator Joseph Biden, chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, that a civil nuclear agreement must be presented to the Senate for approval no later than July.

However the White House announced Tuesday that there was a little more time until President George W. Bush leaves the office.

Gates said that the internal politics of India will be respected by the U.S. but he hopes the matter will be solved in time.

He said: "The two sides need to work together on that.”

He added that "it serves the best interests of both countries, and I think it is an agreement that has positive global consequences."

Gates said he communicated his appreciation to the Indian leaders about the fact India decided in the last month to buy six US-made C-130J aircraft, worth over a six US-made C-130J aircraft.

The defense chief said: "There are some other deals in the works. I indicated that we are interested, and obviously believe we are very competitive, in the selection of the new multi-role combat fighter. We ask no special treatment, we simply are pleased to have a place at the table, and we believe that in a fair competition we have a very good case to make. The C-130 sale will give us an opportunity to demonstrate not only the quality of our equipment, but also the quality of the service and maintenance and follow on in these sales."