New Delhi, July 11 : The United States welcomes the Government of India''s decision to move forward with the U. S.-India Civil Nuclear Initiative by seeking International Atomic Energy Agency approval for its safeguards agreement. This historic initiative is a significant component of the Strategic Partnership envisioned by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, said U. S. Ambassador to India David C Mulford.

Mulford said that the U. S.-India Civil Nuclear Initiative will help India meet its growing energy demands in an economically efficient and environmentally friendly manner and strengthen the global nonproliferation regime.

However, he said that much work still needs to be done to see this initiative through to the final stages.

"We will work closely with India, with Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency, with our Nuclear Suppliers Group partners, and the United States Congress to ensure that this initiative is implemented as quickly as possible," he added. (ANI)