Bush signs nuclear pact with India into law
08 Oct 2008
US President George W Bush on Wednesday signed the Indo-US civil nuclear co-operation agreement, formalising it into a piece of legislation, ending three decades of nuclear isolation for India.
The reversal of American policy would allow India to access nuclear reactors and dual use technology in the Us while opening a multi-billion-dollar nuclear market for American business.
President Bush signed the US-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act during a ceremony in the East Room of the White on 8 October.
''This agreement sends a signal to the world: nations that follow the path to democracy and responsible behavior will find a friend in the United States of America,'' Bush said before signing the agreement.
Bush hailed the agreement as the result of three years of diplomatic efforts and visionary lead by leaders of both countries. He said India and the US are natural partners and the deal would enhance co-operation between the two countries.
The agreement will bound India to safeguards and UN inspections at its civilian, but not military, nuclear plants.
External affairs minister Pranab Mukerjee and his US counterpart secretary of state Condoleezza Rice will sign the overall nuclear cooperation accord on Friday.
