India-US nuke deal approved by House Comm

Washington, June 28: The civilian nuclear energy deal between India and the United States crossed its first major hurdle when it won easy approval from a US Congress panel late last night with key legislators hailing it as a ''historic accord''.

The House of Representatives International Relations Committee (HIRC) voted 37-5 in favour of the agreement. Eight members did not vote as they were not present at the time of voting.

The five who voted against the India-US arrangement were Republican Congressman Jim Leach of Iowa, Republican Chris Smith of New Jersey, Republican Ted Poe of Texas, Democrat Barbara Lee of California and Democrat Diane Watson of California.

The Committee has 50 members, 27 Republicans and 23 Democrats.

The legislation endorsing the deal makes changes in U S Atomic Energy Act to give the President of the United States, a series of India-specific waivers to allow nuclear commerce between the two countries.

It has now been sent to the full House for consideration where action is expected next month.

Democrat and Republican supporters said the accord will mark the beginning of a new phase in relations, will not harm global nonproliferation efforts and is in U S security interests.

Chairman of the Committee Republican Henry Hyde of Illinois, said ''the measure is an important step in transforming the strategic alliance of two of the oldest and largest democracies, while strengthening international security.'' ''While the world has known India possesses nuclear weapons, India has not had a seat at the table of nuclear stakeholders. This brings India into the mainstream with other accountable countries, giving rise to the same benefits and responsibilities as other such states. The United States enjoys a close relationship with India and we are only growing closer,'' said Mr Hyde.

Rep Tom Lantos, the ranking Democrat on the panel, who co-sponsored the bill with Chairman Hyde said ''the impact of this legislation on the new geo-strategic alignment between India and the United States for the balance of the 21st century ... cannot be overstated.'' The Committee also gave a fitting reply to the many critics of the deal when it defeated two amendments that sought to force India to halt fissile material production. Critics in the U S Congress and non-proliferation experts have expressed deep concern that it would allow India to increase its nuclear arsenal.

Republican Howard Berman of California suffered a shocking defeat when he proposed two amendments to require President Bush to state that India halt production of fissile materials that can be used to make nuclear weapons. ''Only a halt of fissile material production would make this deal a net plus for nonproliferation,'' he said proposing his amendment.

UNI

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