"India's emergence from 34 years of nuclear isolation is an exemplary achievement. But the resilience and bravery and remarkable restraint demonstrated across the country after the recent terrorist strikes in Mumbai are what make us so proud to be associated with India. US companies look forward, more than ever, to forming linkages with Indian counterparts to share technologies that will benefit all humanity as we strengthen our economic bonds for the 21st century" Somers said.

"US industry is a reliable partner for India, and we are proud to demonstrate again our solidarity," added USIBC Director Ted Jones. "We are eager to explore, at this more convenient time, how we can partner with India here and around the world."

The US commercial nuclear industry leads the world in size, performance, innovation, and engineering worldwide. The US is the largest generator of electric power in the world – with 27 per cent of the world's total installed capacity and nearly double the number of reactors as France.

The US also produces at roughly half to one-third of the cost in other major countries. In recent decades, US reactor companies and civil nuclear engineering companies have remained at the forefront of innovation and engineering worldwide.

The US-India Business Council (USIBC), formed in 1975 under the aegis of the US Chamber of Commerce, is the premier business advocacy organization representing 300 of the largest US companies investing in India, joined by global Indian companies, whose mandate is to deepen US-India commercial ties.