India's government on Thursday hailed U.S. congressional approval of a civilian nuclear pact between the two nations, calling it a «monumental achievement,» and an official said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would visit New Delhi soon to sign the accord. The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted overwhelmingly in favor of overturning a three-decade ban on atomic trade with India, allowing American businesses to begin selling nuclear fuel, technology and reactors in exchange for safeguards and U.N. inspections of India's civilian nuclear plants. The U.S. House of Representatives earlier approved the accord, which now goes to President George W. Bush, a consistent supporter of the deal. «The nuclear deal is a monumental achievement. It's a victory of Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh's government,» said Veerappa Moily, a spokesman for the governing Congress party. Indian National Security Adviser M. K. Narayanan said the world has now recognized India as a nuclear power. «The world needs India as India needs the world. It's something which we have understood but the world at large has now recognized ... We are now a recognized nuclear power,» Narayanan told reporters. Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said the deal would silence Singh's critics. «There are many misgivings which will be done away with now.» Rice was expected to arrive in New Delhi on Saturday, the Press Trust of India news agency reported, but there was no official confirmation yet. Bush hailed the Senate's passage of legislation approving the accord, saying it would «strengthen our global nuclear nonproliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner.»
