The fact is both Pranab and the US are telling the truth. Why?
It is the 123 Agreement, wherein India & US appended their signatures, that binds both nation.
Knickerwallahs, Read 1-2-3 Agreement Before Commenting
A. If the Agreement works in detriment to India we can Terminate under Article 14
1. Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement prior to its expiration on one year's written notice to the other Party. A Party giving notice of termination shall provide the reasons for seeking such termination. The Agreement shall terminate one year from the date of the written notice, unless the notice has been withdrawn by the providing Party in writing prior to the date of termination.
The Hyde Act is a domestic Act of the US and because it is so, is non-binding on India. However, technically, the Hyde Act binds the US (not us) while implementing the agreement. India likewise can have our own domestic laws that bind us not the US while implementing the agreement. So if each nation is adamant, it creates a gridlock. In practice and otherwise, international treaties supersede domestic laws.
The US-China Nuclear Agreement also contained certain clause sensitive to the Chinese. e.g. The President has to certify each year that China respects human rights in Tibet. The Chinese keep violating human rights, the US President keeping certifying.
