Bush signs Indo-US nuclear deal into law

It's one of the most important legislations affecting India, that has now been signed into law. US president George Bush signed the Henry J Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006 yesterday, reports CNBC-TV18.

With a flourish of his pen, US President George Bush made history, ending 30 years of US policy banning nuclear trade with India.

The bill now empowers the US government to negotiate the bilateral 123 agreement with India. There could still be differences between Indian and US officials over the technical details. But today, it must have been music to the Prime Minister's ears.

It has been a rocky road for the nuclear agreement. In Washington, doubts emerged about the bill's passage after Bush's republicans lost Congressional elections. The bill's approval was the very last action of the 109th Congress.

Meanwhile in India, the PM was forced to deflect opposition from political and scientific critics. However, Bush's signing is only the end of one process. Putting the deal into effect will take another three steps and at least a few more months.