Bush welcomes US-India civilian nuclear deal

WASHINGTON: President George W. Bush on Saturday welcomed a vote in the House of Representatives passing a civilian nuclear pact with India that lifts a three decade-old ban on nuclear trade with New Delhi.

"The passage of this legislation by the House is another major step forward in achieving the transformation of the US-India relationship," Bush said in a statement, urging the Senate now to adopt the bill.

"I urge the Senate to quickly take up and pass this important piece of legislation before their October adjournment. Signing this bipartisan bill will help strengthen our partnership with India," he added.

Signed by Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in July 2005, the agreement offers India access to Western technology and cheap atomic energy provided it allows UN nuclear inspections of some of its nuclear facilities.