PM thanks Indian Americans for the nuke deal with US

New Delhi, Jan 7 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed his gratitude to the Indian American community in the United States for the role played by them in the conclusion of the historic Indo-US deal for civil nuclear cooperation for meeting the country's growing energy needs.

''We are happy that the US has adopted a legislation that will enable the US to engage in cooperation with India in the field of civil nuclear energy. This an important step forward not just in India-US bilateral relations but also an essential first step that will enable India to engage in cooperation in the civil nuclear field with other countries that are members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group,'' he said, addressing the 5th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas here.

The Prime Minister said the process would increase the range of options available to secure the country's growing current and future energy needs. This initiative was, therefore, a vital input to the critical process of enlarging the nation's developmental process.

He said he was thankful to the overseas Indian community and its leaders who played a very significant role in highlighting the importance of this initiative in the US and elsewhere.

He also took the opportunity to thank the NRIs in West Asia and other parts for the handsome contribution their remittances make to the strengthening of the country's economy.

In his address, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said the growing influence of Indian Americans had been significant in determining American attitudes to India and more recently in articulating India's position on the civil nuclear cooperation agreement.

UNI