WASHINGTON, Oct 8: US President George W. Bush signed into law on Wednesday a bill allowing civilian nuclear trade and transfer of nuclear technology to India.

The bill has already been approved by both chambers of the US Congress.

“This legislation will enhance our cooperation in using nuclear energy to power our economies. It will help us work together even more closely to reduce the danger of nuclear proliferation across the world,” said President Bush after signing the agreement.

“This legislation represents more than three years of hard work by a lot of people. I appreciate the work of the Indian American leaders from across the nation.”

He noted that even though the United States and India were separated by half the globe, they were “natural partners” as they headed into the 21st century. “Both our nations emerged from a colonial past to establish vibrant democracies.”

Mr Bush said that both nations have stood against the dangers posed by extremists who had carried out attacks in both the countries.

“By undertaking new cooperation on civil nuclear energy, India will be able to count on a reliable fuel supply for its civilian reactors, meet the energy demands of its people, and reduce its independence on fossil fuels,” he said.

“For our part, the United States will gain access to a growing market for civilian nuclear technologies and materials that will help American businesses create more jobs for our people here at home.”

US Vice-President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, and India’s ambassador to Washington Ronen Sen attended the signing ceremony.

The agreement will allow the United States to sell India nuclear reactors and fuel for civil purposes. It will also allow transfer of nuclear technology to a nation which has not yet signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

The treaty prevents nuclear trade or transfer of technology to a non-signatory nation.