U.S. Chamber Hails Passage of U.S.-India Civilian Nuclear Agreement Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hailed congressional passage of H.R. 5682, The Henry J. Hyde United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006, saying it would help cement an historic strategic alliance between two of the world's greatest democracies.

"The civilian nuclear agreement is a win-win-win for America and India," said Lt. Gen. Daniel W. Christman (Ret.), U.S. Chamber senior vice president for International Affairs and chairman of the Coalition for Partnership with India. "A win for strengthening non-proliferation efforts; a win for the environment because nuclear power does not create greenhouse gas emissions; and a win for U.S. businesses who will have greater access to investment in one of the world's fasting growing economies."

The legislation is the culmination of a landmark meeting between President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in July 2005. The agreement would allow the United States to share civilian nuclear technology with India. In return, India would agree to separate its civilian and strategic nuclear facilities and put its civilian facilities under international inspection.

The agreement could provide the U.S. business community with $100 billion worth of new opportunities in India in the energy sector alone, and open the country's markets to investment in technology, telecom, and financial services, according to the Chamber.

"While we've made tremendous progress, the civilian nuclear agreement must earn the blessing of the Nuclear Suppliers Group-an organization that sets guidelines for nuclear exports-and face another congressional vote on its technical implementation before it becomes a reality," said Christman. "We're not taking our foot off the pedal until this is a done deal."

In conjunction with the Coalition for Partnership with India, the U.S. Chamber and its affiliate, the U.S.-India Business Council, have spearheaded an 18-month lobbying, grassroots, and education campaign to build support for the agreement. The Coalition for Partnership with India is comprised of American businesses, security experts, associations, think-tanks, and like-minded individuals supporting a deeper strategic partnership with India.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com

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