WASHINGTON, Dec 17: The White House intends to turn the signing of the India-US nuclear deal into a big, festive occasion, inviting a large number of people to witness the ceremony.

Activists of the Indian American community, who lobbied vigorously for the deal, would dominate the crowd invited to the White House on Monday when President George W. Bush plans to sign the deal. US diplomats and academics with close links to India are also invited.

Representatives of the American business community eager to benefit from India’s plan to invest billions of dollars for developing nuclear energy will also attend.

Welcoming the deal, the White House said on Friday that it reflected the growing importance of each country to the other as a partner and an ally.

"Of course it is. It's hugely important," White House Press Secretary Tony Snow told reporters when asked if the signing of the law on the nuclear deal was a big thing for the US.

"I think it reflects not only the growing importance of India as a partner and ally with the United States, but I think we hope the growing importance of the United States also as an ally with India," he said.