The US Senate’s overwhelming 85-12 vote on November 16 in favor of the Indian civil nuclear legislation is a significant step forward for building a strategic relationship between both countries. USINPAC appreciates the efforts of its members and the Indian American community for their advocacy of this agreement.

The congressional approval in both the House and the Senate signifies that the Bush administration can now transfer civilian nuclear technology to India, and thus bolster the growth prospects of one of the world’s fastest growing economies. The historic deal will also help reduce India’s dependence on conventional sources of energy and keep environmental pollution in check. Most importantly, however, the agreement will form the bedrock of a new relationship between two nations.
   
USINPAC’s Advocacy Efforts on the Hill Pay Off
Ever since the joint statement by President George W Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on July 18 2005, USINPAC has been relentless in its effort to translate the US-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement into reality. With the help of grassroots support from dedicated members and committed volunteers, USINPAC has successfully reached out to congressmen and senators from both parties to achieve bipartisan unanimity on this issue. You can view some of our efforts on this link.  Thanks to your support, USINPAC is today the largest advocacy group representing the Indian American community with over 30,000 members.Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO) said: "After visiting India earlier this year and being briefed about the agreement by America's best intelligence sources, I am convinced that this agreement will improve global non-proliferation efforts and cement the US-India relationship." Sen. Bond continued, "Today's overwhelming Senate vote will go down in history as cementing the US-India relationship, and the USIBA and USINPAC should be commended for keeping the deal alive in the House so we could consider it in the Senate. Throughout the entire debate, USIBA and USINPAC have been at the forefront, and I was honored to participate in key events they held with Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns to make this deal a reality."

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