Clinton aide in Delhi on Bt Brinjal decision day

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Fedoroff made it to New Delhi just in time for the much-awaited decision on the commercial release of Bt Brinjal, expected Tuesday evening.

In the past, she has often urged Indian industry to boost research and development for transgenic crops like Bt Brinjal.

The genetically modified version of the vegetable has been developed by US-based firm Monsanto and India-based Mahyco.

The US embassy and the environment ministry denied that Fedoroff's visit had anything to do with the decision on Bt Brinjal.

"She arrived here last night. There are no appointments scheduled with the environment minister," a US embassy official told IANS.

Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh also confirmed to IANS that he had not met Fedoroff Tuesday.