US Senate panel advances US-India nuclear deal

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A US-Indian civilian nuclear cooperation agreement is closer to approval by the US Congress but still faces hurdles. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday voted 19-2 to approve a bill that would allow ratification. But it remained unclear whether the full Congress would follow suit before wrapping up for the year to campaign for November's elections. The accord faces criticism from opponents who say the extra fuel the measure provides could boost India's nuclear weapons stockpile by freeing up domestic uranium for weapons. They fear that could spark a nuclear arms race.