New Delhi - Sonia Gandhi, chairwoman of the India's ruling United Progressive Alliance, on Thursday strongly defended a civilian nuclear deal with the United States as being in the best interests of the country and lashed out at the critics of the agreement.

The Congress Party-led coalition faces a parliamentary trust vote on July 22 after its Communist partners withdrew support in a dispute over the nuclear deal. The left-wing parties say the pact would harm India's strategic sovereignty and give US influence over the country's foreign and nuclear policy.

"Throughout the country we need access to the latest nuclear technologies and nuclear fuel from other countries and this is what we want to do for our people. How can we be faulted for striving to provide all this for our people," Gandhi told a rally in the southern Nellore city.

"Yet we are being accused of going against the interests of our country. There is no question of compromising on our security interests, nuclear programme or independent foreign policy," Gandhi said.

The Congress chief in her first public address since the communist parties quit the government said the nuclear pact was crucial for India's energy needs and future generations would realize its importance.

"The demand of electricity is increasing in India and to cater to that demand, more nuclear plants are needed," Gandhi said.

"This deal is important for the nation. We do not require certificate from any party or anybody on the issue of patriotism," she said.

The nuclear agreement would allow the US to trade fissile materials and technology with India, ending a three-decade ban. India would in return open its civilian reactors to international inspections.

Political analysts said Gandhi had dealt a political masterstroke by simplifying the complex nuclear deal and explaining to the masses how it would benefit the common man.

Surveys have found a majority of Indians do not consider the nuclear deal an important issue and are more worried about rising inflation and prices.

The Indian government also launched a publicity drive to explain the much-debated deal to the people.

"Think of tomorrow. Support the agreement today," read ads published in several leading Indian dailies, claiming the pact "strengthened India's energy independence, sovereignty and autonomy."

The UPA government, which came to power in 2004, is to conclude its five-year term in May, but a defeat in the floor test could mean early elections, possibly by winter.

It would also scuttle the nuclear deal and trigger political uncertainty as the country faces slower economic growth rates and double-digit inflation.

The UPA government hopes to win the confidence vote with the support of the regional Samajwadi Party and lawmakers from other small parties and independents.

Five lawmakers who have been jailed for crimes such as murder, land-grabbing and extortion may also hold the key in the crucial vote.

As the Indian constitution allows convicted MPs to participate in parliamentary votes, they were being released on bail, local media reported. (dpa)