US Chamber of Commerce urges Congressional approval on N-deal

Washington, Mar 3 (UNI) The United States Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate US-India Business Council (USIBC) applauded the the India-US civilian nuclear deal urging the US Congress to give its seal of approval.

In a statement yesterday, Senior Vice President of International Affairs Lt Gen Dan Christman (Retd) said, ''This historic agreement is a key step in achieving a deeper strategic partnership with India that will enhance global stability and create tremendous new trading opportunities.'' ''This partnership will benefit both countries by strengthening non-proliferation, meeting India's energy security needs and promoting a cleaner environment using reliable and safe nuclear power,'' Mr Christman said.

The agreement also requires India to continue its moratorium on nuclear testing and enhance export controls on nuclear sensitive materials and technology.

''President George W Bush's trip to India is akin to Nixon's opening of China,'' Gen Christman said. ''This critical milestone in nuclear cooperation marks a momentous step in the historic alignment of the world's two great democracies for the 21st century,'' he said.

To win US Congressional approval of the agreement, the Chamber has formed the Coalition for Partnership with India to marshal a broad public advocacy campaign in support of the agreement.

The US Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organisations of every size, sector, and region. The USIBC represents the largest US investors and traders with India.

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