PM hopes to complete full term, avoid poll

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hopes to complete his full five-year term and avoid early elections.

"Elections are still far away. This government has one-and-a-half years to complete it is my hope and expectation we will stay the course," He said at a seminar in New Delhi.

There has been widespread speculation about an early election amid a row between the government and its communist allies over nuclear deal with the United States.

But signs are emerging the government is keen to avoid an early poll even if that puts the nuclear deal at risk.

"It is certainly true if the deal doesn't come through, it will be a disappointment, but it will not be the end of life," said Prime Minister.