Bush hails passage of Indo-US nuclear bill

US President George W Bush hails the Senate approval of the India-US civilian nuclear deal.

US President George W Bush has hailed the Senate approval of the India-US civilian nuclear deal, describing it as a historic agreement that creates new business opportunities for American companies and enhances their trade relationship.

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"I appreciate the Senate's leadership on this important legislation and look forward to signing this bill into law soon," he said in a statement issued on Friday from Singapore on his way to Hanoi to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting.

"The United States and India enjoy a strategic partnership based upon common values. Today, the Senate has acted to further strengthen this relationship by passing legislation that will deliver energy, non-proliferation, and trade benefits to the citizens of two great democracies."

"The US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreement will bring India into the international nuclear non-proliferation mainstream and will increase the transparency of India's entire civilian nuclear programme."

"As India's economy continues to grow, this partnership will help India meet its energy needs without increasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It will also help reduce India's dependence upon imported fossil fuels," he said.

"By increasing India's demand for civil nuclear technology, fuel, and support services, this historic agreement creates new business opportunities for American companies and enhances our trade relationship," he added.