Senate lifts ban on nuclear trade with India

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has voted to overturn a three-decade ban on atomic trade with India.

The 86-13 vote Wednesday gave overwhelming final congressional approval to a landmark U.S.-India nuclear cooperation accord and handed President Bush a rare foreign policy victory.

The pact allows American businesses to begin selling nuclear fuel, technology and reactors to India in exchange for safeguards and U.N. inspections at India’s civilian, but not military, nuclear plants.

The agreement now goes to Bush for his signature.

Approval of the accord represents a major shift in U.S. policy.

The Bush administration portrays the pact as the cornerstone of new ties with a democratic Asian power.

Opponents warn the deal could spark a nuclear arms race in Asia.