Saturday, January 14 2006 10:49 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A delegation of American Congressmen and Senators yesterday (Jan 13,2006) met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here, voicing their support to the Indo-US nuclear deal and expressing confidence that it would get bipartisan support in their Parliament.

The seven-member delegation, led by India-born Congressman Bobby Jindal, held discussions with the Prime Minister on the July 18 deal besides a host of other issues.

Describing the deal on civilian nuclear cooperation as the 'most important issue' now between the two countries, Jindal told reporters that he was optimistic of the agreement getting bipartisan support in the US Congress to ensure its ratification.

"I support the deal. It makes a lot of sense. India needs energy. It (the deal) also suits the US," he said, adding the Congress was at present awaiting a detailed proposal from the Bush Government.

The delegation's meeting with the Prime Minister and the comments assume significance as these came just a day after public expression of support by influential opposition Democratic Party Senator John Kerry for the deal.

Jindal said if India wanted to join the nuclear club, it would be important for New Delhi to demonstrate its commitment to peaceful use of nuclear energy.

He said expression of support for the deal by Kerry was a sign of good progress on the issue as he noted that even the sceptics had lately turned round to back the agreement.