"This legislation will enhance our cooperation in using nuclear energy to power our economies. It will help us work together even more closely to reduce the danger of nuclear proliferation across the world.This legislation represents more than three years of hard work by a lot of people. I appreciate the work of the Indian American leaders from across the nation" Bush said.

"By undertaking new cooperation on civil nuclear energy, India will be able to count on a reliable fuel supply for its civilian reactors, meet the energy demands of its people, and reduce its independence on fossil fuels," Bush said, addressing New Delhi's concerns.

By signing the deal, the US will gain access to a growing market for civilian nuclear technologies and materials that will help American businesses create more jobs at home, he said.

Among the distinguished gathering at the stage were the Vice President Dick Cheney, the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Energy Secretary Sam Bodman, Senators Chris Dodd and John Warner, Congressmen Joe Crowley and Elliot Engel and the Indian Ambassador to the United States, Ronen Sen.

"This agreement sends a signal to the world: Nations that follow the path to democracy and responsible behaviour will find a friend in the United States of America" Bush said.

Earlier, welcoming the guests that included a large number of Indian American leaders who were instrumental in pushing the accord in the US Congress, Bush said that he has the "honour" of signing legislation "that builds on the growing ties between the world's two largest democracies, India and the United States".

... contd.