WASHINGTON — After three years of negotiation, Congress gave final approval Wednesday to a U.S.-India nuclear agreement that its advocates say will form a lasting strategic alliance between the United States and the world's largest democracy.
The agreement, which the Bush administration considers a significant foreign policy achievement, would end a 30-year ban on sales of nuclear fuel and technology that was imposed after India tested and developed a nuclear bomb.
India has agreed to open its civilian nuclear facilities to international inspection under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, though its eight military nuclear plants would not be subject to scrutiny.
The vote in the Senate was 86 to 13. California's senators, both Democrats, were split, with Dianne Feinstein voting in favor and Barbara Boxer opposed. The agreement, passed by the House last week, now goes to President Bush for his signature.
Advocates contend that the deal will finally forge a partnership with a country that has long kept its distance from the United States, and will help strengthen India to offset China's dominance in Asia.
Bush praised the vote, saying the agreement "will strengthen our global nuclear nonproliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner."
But critics on the left and right have complained from the beginning that by rewarding a country that ignored international nonproliferation efforts, the deal will make it harder for world powers to contain the spread of nuclear weapons to countries such as Iran, and may even accelerate nuclear arms races.
In debate on the measure Wednesday, Sen. Byron L. Dorgan (D-N.D.) said, "This message is: You can misuse American nuclear technology and secretly develop nuclear weapons, you can build a nuclear arsenal in defiance of the United Nations resolutions, and you will be welcomed as someone exhibiting good behavior with an agreement with the United States of America. . . . What message does that send to others who want to join the nuclear club?"
But Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) said there were "compelling geopolitical reasons" to approve the bill, mentioning India's location near China, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Administration officials increasingly see India as a key to its growing difficulties battling Islamic militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan. India has increasing economic and diplomatic clout in Afghanistan.
