WASHINGTON, Feb 19: A pro-Indian Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone has supported the Bush administration’s demand for separation of India’s military and civilian nuclear facilities.

In a statement issued by his office, Mr Pallone noted that the Bush administration had made separation of India’s military and civilian nuclear facilities an important benchmark by which to judge New Delhi seriousness.

“Separating these facilities and placing the civilian ones under safeguards (would) show India’s commitment to its role in the global community,” he said.

The separation plan has run into difficulties in India, with a section of Indian scientists expressing concern over the move. Diplomatic efforts are on to sew up the pact ahead of President George W. Bush’s India visit in the first week of March.

Mr Pallone said although India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, ‘it should not be considered as a problem state with regard to non-proliferation issues. It has no record of proliferating dual-use nuclear technology to other countries.’

“India understands the danger of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and has agreed to key international non-proliferation requirements.”

Mr Pallone said once the Bush administration outlined the details of the civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement, ‘then Congress must begin steps to enact the changes necessary for implementation.’

“I would urge all my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to move in that direction and support it.

“The US has established a remarkable strategic partnership with India, and a civil nuclear cooperation would be a great accomplishment. Its implementation is important for national security and for US-India relations.”

Mr Pallone strongly supported the proposed India-US nuclear cooperation, calling it ‘important for national security’ of both countries.