N-deal with India "net gain" for non-proliferation regime: US

India's enhanced non- proliferation commitments under the landmark Indo-US civil nuclear deal constitute a "net gain" for the global non- proliferation regime, the Bush administration said today, adding there were "powerful" strategic, political, economic, and environmental reasons" to support the initiative.

Detailing the benefits of the Initiative launched by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US President George W. Bush on 18th July, 2005, the State Department in a Fact Sheet said the steps taken by India, a non-signatory to the NPT, would enhance the global non-proliferation regime and prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

"India's enhanced non-proliferation commitments strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation framework and constitute a net gain for the global nonproliferation regime," it said on the "unprecedented three-year effort" by the two governments to get all the necessary approvals, including that of the IAEA and the NSG for the deal as it welcomed New Delhi to the non-proliferation "mainstream."

"Together, they constitute a dramatic change in moving India into closer conformity with international non-proliferation standards and practices, and form a firm foundation for the US and India to strengthen our efforts in the future to prevent WMD proliferation and to combat terrorism," the Fact Sheet said, nearly a week after New Delhi and Washington completed all formalities on the deal.

"There are powerful security, political, economic, and environmental reasons to support this Initiative," it said.

The U.S.-India Initiative provides significant gains, it said noting that the deal deepens America's strategic partnership with India, which it described as the worlds largest democracy and a rising economic power.

The deal also enhanced energy security by helping India's large and growing population meet its accelerating energy needs.

It helps protect the environment since nuclear energy presents a cleaner alternative than other available options.

The deal will lead to increased trade and create new jobs and investment opportunities for U.S. companies.