Indian Americans lobbying hard for N-deal approval in Congress

Sridhar Krishnaswami Washington, Jul 28 (PTI) Buoyed by the UPA government's victory in the crucial trust vote over the Indo-US nuclear deal, the Indian-American community leaders have started lobbying decision-makers here to ensure smooth passage of thehistoric accord in the American Congress.

The community leaders are not wasting any more time and are organising their first strategy session here Monday evening. The general perception among leaders of the communityis that much time has already been lost.

With the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh getting through the vote of confidence last week, efforts areon to contact top Congressional leaders right away.

"The Indian American community did its part for the Hyde Act... Now once again Indian American community has to ensure the final passage of 123 agreement by the US Congress. We are ready to do so. Leaders of various organisations are meeting in DC on Monday for this purpose," Ashok Mago, Chairman of theDallas-based USINDIA FORUM said.

Mago is one of the community leaders who played an important role in getting most of the Texas delegation in the House of Representatives and the Senate behind the Hyde Act in2006.

"The real focus here begins from the first week of September when members of Congress return after their District work period," a highly-placed source seeking anonymity toldPTI.

He explained that New Delhi should be expected to have wrapped up all the procedures and processes pertaining to the civilian nuclear deal by the time Congress returns from the August recess. PTI SK