Indo-US nuke deal clears way to reinforce strong alliance: Hyde

Washington, July 27 (UNI) United States Rep Henry J Hyde (R-IL), Chairman of the House Committee on International Relations, who was pleased that the House endorsed the historic legislation by such an overwhelming vote has said, ''The nuke deal clears the way for the United States and India to reinforce an already strong, strategic alliance.'' In a statement, Mr Hyde said as it is crafted, the deal represents a judicious balancing of competing priorities. On the one hand, the world has known that India possesses nuclear weapons, yet the country has not had a seat at the table of nuclear stakeholders. The agreement calls for the US to sell technology to India for nuclear power development. In return, India will open its 14 civilian nuclear reactors to international inspections, agree not to test nuclear weapons, and abide by nuclear export controls.

The legislation, H R 5682 - India-US Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006, seeks to give an exemption to India from some of its regulations.

Under the legislation, India is required to present a credible separation plan of civilian and military nuclear facilities, negotiate an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and adhere to the guidelines suggested by the 45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) which regulates international trade in nuclear material and equipment.

Mr Hyde said while it is important to note that this deal would improve international nuclear security, at the same time, it will expand relations between the US and one of the most important emerging nations in the world. It will enable India to make energy cheaper, cleaner and more accessible. It would create more customers for the US firms and, in the end, both countries will benefit.

Realising the importance of such a historical partnership, Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY) said, ''The United States is right to negotiate civil nuclear cooperation with India, our close friend and democratic ally.'' A longtime supporter of Indo-US Nuclear Cooperation, he said, ''These civil nuclear cooperative agreements can be implemented safely and with proper oversight.'' Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said, ''Based on our shared values of diversity, democracy and prosperity, the United States and India have a natural connection. This nuclear agreement strengthens energy security for the United States and India and promotes the development of stable and efficient energy markets in India. This important legislation would strengthen this relationship.'' ''I believe that India has been a strong US ally and should be viewed as a credible and worthy nation of our help and support.

India is ready to accept all the responsibilities of the world's leading states with respect to advanced nuclear technology. Although India has never been a signatory of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, it should not be considered as a 'problematic' state with regard to non-proliferation issues,'' he said.

''India has no record of proliferating dual use nuclear technology to other countries,'' Mr Pallone added.

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