Washington: Lawmakers supporting the legislation on the India-U.S. nuclear deal have described it as a "bipartisan effort" recognising the nuclear reality of India, while its opponents termed it as a "historic mistake" that may trigger an arms race.

During a spirited debate in the House of Representatives on the legislation, which was later approved overwhelmingly, the new Democratic Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Tom Lantos, said, "This is a historic day for this House and for the United States."

"This truly bipartisan effort is an excellent step forward. It recognises the nuclear reality of India," said Henry Hyde, the outgoing Republican Chairman of the Committee.

`A historic mistake'

Democratic lawmaker Ed Markey, who vehemently opposed the legislation, said the bill was a "historic mistake."

Holding up a large picture of Pakistan's disgraced nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan, Mr. Markey said, "A.Q. Khan would accept a deal like that for Pakistan."

"What are we going to say when China offers the same deal to Pakistan? What will we say when the Russians offer the same deal to the Iranians?" he asked.

Lawmakers from both Houses had the previous day approved a reconciled version of the bills passed by two chambers of Congress. The House voted in favour of the bill by a 330-59 margin after the debate that went on for an hour.

"When we turn to the other countries and we tell them your standards are not high enough, they are going to call us hypocrites," Mr. Markey said. "The message that they are receiving is that there is going to be a double standard," he said.

"What we are doing here is pouring fuel on fire. We are turning a blind eye to what is happening in South Asia," Mr. Markey argued.

Expressing strong support for the legislation, Mr. Lantos said, "This expansion of peaceful nuclear trade with India will usher in a new partnership between India and the United States based on our shared objective of preventing the spread of dangerous nuclear technology to countries and groups that would use it for evil purposes."

`A clear message'

An ardent supporter of India and former Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus Gary Ackerman said the Conference Report transformed bilateral relations. "If you liked this Bill in January, then you will love this Conference Report,'' the New York Democrat said. The report sent a clear message to the nuclear rogue states. ``Let them understand the message: `Be responsible. Be a good international actor. Be like India. Be a real democracy'," Mr. Ackerman said. — PTI

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