NRI forum welcomes India-specific N-deal approval

WASHINGTON: The Indian American community in the United States (USINDIA) has welcomed the IAEA board approval of India-specific safeguards agreement, saying it is a big step towards the final approval by US Congress.

"It is a historic event and a big step towards the final approval by US Congress. It will provide India additional source of energy which it desperately needs," said Ashok Mago, chairman of the Dallas-based USINDIA Forum.

Mago, who played a major role in getting the Hyde Act through Congress, termed the approval good, not only for India but the entire international community.

"We are hopeful that India will get unanimous approval from the 45-member Nuclear Supplier Group. No doubt there are some challenges in the second and third steps. Time is of the essence for ratification of 123 agreement by US congress," he added.

Terming the move to IAEA board by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as bold step, he said "like true leader Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took a bold step and risked the survival of his government for the national interest."

Mago, who was in Orlando, met the presumptive Republican nominee Senator John McCain and thank him for his support to the US-India civilian nuclear initiative.

"Both Presidential candidates are supportive of this agreement. Today I had the opportunity to meet and thank Senator McCain for his continued support for the agreement. Tomorrow look forward to meet Senator Obama and thank him for his support in the past and seek his help for the final passage" Mago, who is also the Chair of the Dallas Board of the Urban League, said.