A proposal for nuclear cooperation between India and the United States was passed by an overwhelming majority of 359-68 votes in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
However the tougher round for the Bill will come in September when it is to be voted on by the Senate.
The deal has been criticized both in the United States and in India with advocates of non-proliferation in the U.S concerned that India could easily use domestic atomic supplies for military purposes.
India will also get access to U.S nuclear fuel and equipment.
Detractors of the deal in India have accused teh government of submitting to tough conditions imposed by the U.S and compromising nuclear security.
While New Delhi is happy with the preliminary outcome, Prime Minister Singh cautions that the determining factor will be the consistency between the parameters discussed and what eventually emerges.
While the House of Representatives victory is indeed heartening for India, the real challenge will be the Senate where all the advocates of non-proliferation are.
Leave a comment