    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [October 8, 2008]
    [Pages 1290-1291]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation
    Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act
    October 8, 2008

        I am pleased today to sign into law the United States-India Nuclear
    Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act, which
    approves the U.S.-India 123 Agreement. The passage of this legislation
    by the Congress marks another major milestone in achieving the vision
    that Prime Minister Singh and I set forth on
    July 18, 2005, to transform the relationship between our two countries
    and to establish a strategic partnership. This act will strengthen the
    relationship between the United States and India and deliver valuable
    benefits to both nations.
        The legislation does not change the terms of the 123 Agreement as I
    submitted it to the Congress. That agreement is consistent with the
    Atomic Energy Act and other elements of U.S. law. This legislationis
    important as it enables me to bring the 123 Agreement into force and to
    accept on behalf of the United States the obligations contained in the
    agreement.
        The agreement grants India advance consent to reprocessing, which
    will be brought into effect upon conclusion of arrangements and
    procedures for a dedicated reprocessing facility under IAEA safeguards.
        In addition, the legislation does not change the fuel assurance
    commitments that the U.S. Government has made to the Government of
    India, as recorded in the 123 Agreement.
        The passage of this legislation reflects the common view of my
    administration and the Congress as to the value of nuclear cooperation
    and is in the interest of the United States and India.

    [[Page 1291]]

    Note: The statement referred to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India.
    H.R. 7081, approved October 8, was assigned Public Law No. 110-369.