By Arun Kumar. Washington, United States, 10:30 AM IST

President George Bush has hailed the Senate approval of the India-US civil nuclear deal saying it will strengthen 'global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs, and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner.'

'I look forward to signing this bill into law and continuing to strengthen the US-India Strategic Partnership,' he said in a statement issued shortly after the Senate Wednesday approved the legislation passed four days ago by the House of Representatives.

'I congratulate the Senate on passing the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act, H.R. 7081,' Bush said.

'In particular, I commend the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for their leadership in crafting this important bipartisan legislation. I also thank Majority Leader (Harry) Reid and Minority Leader (Mitch) McConnell for bringing this bill to a vote prior to the Senate's adjournment.

'This legislation will strengthen our global nuclear nonproliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs, and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner.

'I look forward to signing this bill into law and continuing to strengthen the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership,' he said.

By Arun Kumar (Staff Writer, © IANS)