Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Wednesday said that all senior ministers should be present during the debate on the India-United States nuclear agreement in Parliament next week in the absence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] who will be on an international visit.

Chatterjee played down the Opposition's objection over Singh's visit abroad during the debate on the nuclear deal, saying the Prime Minister cannot avoid traveling as he is required to represent the country.

After a luncheon meeting with leaders of political parties, Chatterjee said senior ministers would be asked to be present in the House in the Prime Minister's absence.

The winter session of Parliament will begin on Thursday and a debate on the nuclear deal is on top of the agenda.

Singh will visit Singapore on November 20 for the ASEAN summit following which he will go to Uganda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meet.

The BJP has said that it is essential that the Prime Minister is present in the House during the debate.