Civil Nuke deal to strengthen Indo-US strategic ties: Mulford

New Delhi, Oct 2 (UNI) The landmark Indo-US civilian nuclear deal that was approved by the US Senate in Washington last night will move India out of nuclear isolation into becoming a major power in the world and strengthen the (nuclear) non-proliferation system, US Ambassador to India David Mulford said here today.

The US Senate last night overwhelmingly approved the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal, removing the last hurdle in lifting the 34-year-old global ban on the sale of nuclear fuel and technology to India.

Mr Mulford, who has been part of the negotiations during the entire process the deal was consummated, said at a press conference that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would visit New Delhi in the next few days to complete the remaining process after which commercial phase of the deal would begin.

Ms Rice was seheduled to arrive here tomorrow. However, India requested her to re-schedule her visit since External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee would not be here.

Mr Mulford said the deal would enable India to diversify its energy bank and create civil nuclear industries, generate electricity and be a major contribution to environment protection.

Besides, India would no longer remain isolated in this area of technology and would become a major player and one of the top economies in the world.

For the US, it would strengthen the non-proliferation system in a big way, strengthen the Strategic Relationship between India and the US and see increasing closeness and cooperation between the two countries.

MORE UNI RB RP RK1810