India not a N-weapon state: Burns

The US has made it clear that the Indo-US nuclear deal does not amount to recognition of India as a nuclear weapon state.

"India has a strategic programme. The US and other countries have not recognised that programme. This agreement does not recognise that programme," said Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns while launching an aggressive campaign to drum up support for the deal from sceptical lawmakers.

Burns, who played a key role in clinching the deal, said the pact would bring India into the "non-proliferation mainstream" and dismissed any comparison between the Indian and Iranian programmes. Giving a preview of the Bush administration's decision, he said the deal was good for India and America.