Bush to ink N-deal legislation on Monday

Terming as 'hugely important' the landmark bill that will allow nuclear trade between New Delhi and Washington, the White House has said that the legislation reflects the growing importance of India as a partner and ally of the United States.

The recently-passed legislation on Indo-US civilian nuclear deal, which is going to be signed into law on Monday by President George W Bush, is 'hugely important,' White House Spokesman Tony Snow said on Friday.

"I think it reflects not only the growing importance of India as a partner and ally with the United States but I think we have the growing importance of the United States, also, as an ally with India," Snow told media persons at a briefing in Washington.

"You have got an expanding economy. You have got the largest democracy on the face of the Earth. It is a nation that has a democracy that accommodates a wide variety of religions and cultural groups and racial groups. And so, it is very important to us that we continue to deepen our relationship with India," Snow said.