White House Making Last-Minute Push for India Nuclear Deal in Congress

CQ Politics
Sep 8, 2008

The Bush administration plans an all-out effort to win approval of a civilian nuclear deal with India before Congress adjourns, although political, procedural and policy issues are blocking the way. A congressional sign-off would provide a successful conclusion to more than three years of work by the administration to complete a unique arrangement the White House says would strengthen U.S. ties with the world's largest democracy, expand India's energy options and open a growing market for U.S. businesses. Approval of the agreement also would add to President Bush's short list of diplomatic legacy achievements. But critics say the agreement could undermine nuclear nonproliferation efforts and provoke an arms race in Asia, while doing little to help the U.S. nuclear industry.