Washington, July 27 (IANS) President George Bush Friday described the just concluded 123 agreement to implement the civil nuclear deal with India as another step towards deepening US strategic partnership with a "vital world leader".

"I look forward to working with Congress to realise this important initiative," he stated, after a joint statement by US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice andIndian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was released in Washington and New Delhi.

"I welcome the conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral agreement between the United States and India for peaceful nuclear cooperation. I commend those from both countries who have worked hard to make this deal happen, and I look forward to working with Congress to realise this important initiative.

"This marks another step in the continued progress that is deepening our Strategic Partnership with India, a vital world leader," Bush said.


Indo-Asian News Service