'US, India share common vision for future'

Hopeful that a full Senate will pass the crucial Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation agreement by the year end, a prominent American senator has said that the deal brings India into the mainstream of non-proliferation.

Speaking at the sidelines of the seventh annual Gala of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston recently, Senator John Cornyn, who is also the founder and co-chairman of the Senate India Caucus, said the deal 'is a win for both sides.'

Cornyn said he was hopeful that the full Senate will pass the agreement by the year end.

"It will also help India lessen its dependence on fossil fuels, help protect the environment and will create jobs

for American businesses," he said.

"The United States and India share a common vision for the future as we battle terrorism together and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, HIV/AIDS, and a host of other challenges that face our world," he added.

"Although there is more work to be done to liberalize the Indian economy, trade is growing between the United States and India. Our exports to India are up over 30 per cent since 2004," he said.

Praising the expartriate community, Coryn said: "The United States is fortunate to have many Indian-Americans who have helped bring our two nations closer."

Indian Ambassador to the US Ronen Sen was the chief guest at the gala.