US Senate to vote on Indo-US N-deal on Sep 29

Washington, Sep 29: The US Senate is likely to vote on Indo-US nuclear deal on Monday, Sep 29 after the US House of Representatives passed the Indo-US civil nuclear agreement by a clear majority (298-117 votes).

Once the Senate adopts the bill, it would be ready for signing between the two countries. Urging the Senate to quickly follow the suit, President George Bush said, "I urge the Senate to quickly take up and pass this important piece of legislation before their October adjournment." "Signing this bi-partisan bill will help strengthen our partnership with India," Bush added. The Senate vote is a foregone conclusion given the fact that an identical bill has already been approved by its Foreign Relations Committee earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the deal is in the interests of India, the US and the world at large.

"The historic agreement on cooperation in the development of civilian nuclear energy in India that President George Bush and I embarked upon is nearing fruition," he added.

He pointed out that the nuclear deal would add an important strategic pillar to India-US ties and widen the country's 'clean energy options'.

According to reports, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is scheduled to visit New Delhi on Friday, Oct 3 when she may sign the agreement with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

ANI