The US-India civil nuclear cooperation agreement done, American politicians have a new item on their strategic horizon.
WASHINGTON, DC: The all-important US-India civil nuclear cooperation agreement done, American politicians have a new item on their strategic horizon — a new bill that would take relations between India and the US to the next level. Leading congressmen told DNA that they would do all in their power to push the US-India Energy Security Cooperation bill, and then take it to conference to unify the Senate and House versions, thus “perfectly complementing the civil nuclear deal”.
“We are already key allies in the global war on terror,” said Rep. Steve Israel, who is also the assistant Democratic whip in the House. “With this bill, we can become key allies in the war against global warming.”
Republican Congressman and former co-chair of the House India Caucus Joe Wilson introduced the bill in June this year, but the House could not take up the debate on it. “If the House does not pass it before the 109th Congress ends,” Wilson said, “I will reintroduce it and actively push for its passage next year.”
India, they say, needs this legislation fast. According to records available with Congress, coal provides India with over 50 per cent of its total energy and 70 per cent of its electric power generation. It’s oil demand has jumped 6 per cent in the past decade, compared with a global average of 2 per cent. Unless new sources of energy are created, India may have to import 90 per cent of its oil in the next 20 years.
“I don’t think there will be any major hurdle once the debate begins,” Israel said. “Our bill is based on the US-Israel Energy Security Cooperation Act, and with the overwhelming support over the nuclear deal, passage of this bill will not be a problem at all.”
Wilson feels that that India and the US can start collaborating on research and development “as soon as the enabling legislation passes”. He said, “It authorises the President to establish programs between the US and India that encourage research and development into alternative fuel sources, energy efficient projects, clean coal and emission reduction technologies, and the use of technology to promote clean and efficient energy use in India.”
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