India nuclear deal will ease oil crisis, says Bush

US President George W Bush yesterday agreed a controversial nuclear energy deal with India despite the Asian democracy refusing to sign the nuclear non-proliferation pact.

Mr Bush acknowledged it will be difficult to persuade Congress to support the agreement, in which the US would share its nuclear know-how and fuel with India. But, he said, he’s confident it will be approved so India can power its fast-growing economy without expanding world demand for oil.

Critics say the US is making an exception for India, which has nuclear weapons but won’t sign the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.