Signed, sealed: Bush makes nuclear deal law

THE NUCLEAR TEAM: US President George W Bush signs the Bill to make the nuclear deal law.

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Washington: US President George W Bush on Wednesday signed into law the legislation to implement the Indo-US civil nuclear deal with an assurance there is no change in fuel supply commitments as reflected in the 123 Agreement.

“This is a big deal,” said Bush as he signed the “H.R. 7081, the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Non-proliferation Enhancement Act” at 2:34 p.m. (00:04 a.m. Thursday India time) in the East Room of the White House.

Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Indian Ambassador to the US Ronen Sen were among the dignitaries who witnessed Bush sign the historic law that would allow resumption of nuclear commerce between the two countries after three decades.

Also attending were prominent members of the Indian-American community, captains of industry, lawmakers, diplomats and officials, who played a major role in getting the deal through the Congress in less than a month after the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) gave India a waiver on nuclear trade.

Bush thanked members of his administration, especially at the State Department and White House who worked to secure the deal, lawmakers and leaders of the Indian American community.

He especially appreciated Rice for her "hard work" in bringing the deal to fruition.

Rice and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee will now formally ink the 123 Agreement on Friday to give effect to the landmark accord, envisioned by Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 18, 2005.

Fuel supply assurance

In significant comments at the signing ceremony, Bush assured there would be no changes in fuel supply commitments as contained in the 123 Agreement. "India can count on reliable fuel supplies (from US) for its reactors," Bush said.

"The legislation does not change fuel supply commitments made by the US to the Government of India as recorded in the 123 Agreement," Bush said as he put his signature on the nuclear bill.