Washington: As the clock started ticking in US Congress on final passage of the nuclear deal, a Republican lawmaker has appealed to his colleagues to view the agreement in the context of its historic nature as well as the emerging strategic importance of India in global affairs.

"This agreement takes a realistic assessment of India s nuclear weapons programme and enhances international non-proliferation efforts by working with the IAEA and a country we can trust," Congressman Joe Wilson said in a letter to his colleagues in the House of Representatives.

India has had four nuclear reactors under IAEA safeguards for decades, he noted and added that 14 of its 22 reactors "will be under permanent safeguards under this agreement."

"This agreement will create American jobs, burn less fossil fuels, grow our economies, enhance mutual trust, and greatly develop our strategic relationship with India. I urge your support of this historic agreement," he said in the Dear Colleague letter.

The US and India, Wilson said, were "estranged" for too long during the Cold War. "With the opening of India's economy to the West and a vibrant Indian American community reshaping America's image in India, our relationship has dramatically changed."

"India's middle class exceeds 300 million people, larger than America s population. More US companies have invested in India than ever before. Our militaries regularly train together in joint exercises. Indian students fill our colleges and universities," he said.

Noting that Americans have embraced Indian food, yoga, and South Asian culture, he said Indians too watch American television, listen to its music, and watch its movies. "Polls consistently show Indians with very high favourable views of America and vice versa."
Source : PTI