Republican lawmaker argues for India in US House

Noting that July 18 India-United States joint statement was a "major step forward", a Republican lawmaker and a former co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India said the civil nuclear agreement reached between India and the US would contribute to global nonproliferation.

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Strongly supporting the civil nuclear agreement between India and the US, the law maker from South Carolina, Joe Wilson told the United States House of Representatives that the strategic partnership reached between the countries would ensure future security and prosperity.

"The civil nuclear agreement is a major step forward for the United States and global nonproliferation policies," Wilson said. The civil nuclear agreement is one of the critical components of the India-US joint statement of July 18.

Quoting extensively from the joint statement, Wilson said that President George W Bush has appreciated India's commitment to prevent Weapons of Mass Destruction proliferation.

Bush has stated that India was a responsible state with advanced nuclear technology and it should acquire the same benefits and advantages of other such states, he said.

Wilson, who was in India recently, said that he was "…convinced that the strategic partnership with India will help ensure our own future security and prosperity working together for victory in the war on terrorism".