Washington: Delighted over the enactment of the Indo-US nuclear deal, Indian-American community leaders have thanked President George W Bush for his personal efforts to push the landmark accord through the Congress and said the the agreement's benefits should be "maximised" for the people of the two nations.

A large group of Indian American community leaders were present at the signing ceremony of the legislation on the Indo-US nuclear deal into law at the White House's ornate East Room last night.

Sant Chatwal, the Chairman of the Indian-Americans for Democrats, was among the community leaders who exchanged conversation with President George W Bush as he finished signing the HR7081 bill.

Chatwal said he gave the message of congratulations from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the US President and in return Bush asked him to convey his congratulations to the Indian leader.

Bush also asked him to convey that "he (Singh) is my best friend," Chatwal told PTI over phone.

The community leader from New York said he thanked the US President on behalf of the Indian-American community, adding that they were "very grateful" for Bush getting up at three in morning to place calls to world leaders to take them on board on the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Source : PTI