New Delhi, Oct. 19: The US has argued that it is in the “international community’s interest” to bring India’s nuclear isolation to an end, since Delhi has agreed to take on key global non-proliferation commitments.

America’s pro-India stand came yesterday, on the eve of the crucial Nuclear Suppliers’ Group meeting in Vienna, being held to discuss if the grouping’s laws should be amended to let Delhi acquire civilian nuclear technology.

The US referred to not only India’s “strong commitment” to protecting fissile material and nuclear technology but also its recent vote against Iran to prevent a “theocratic” state from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

Washington also hinted the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal would get the crucial approval from the US Congress before President George Bush visits India early next year.

“By the time of President Bush’s visit to India in early 2006, we plan to be in a position to ask Congress to make the necessary changes to put this agreement into effect,” under-secretary of state Nicholas Burns told the Asia Society in New York.

“We believe it is in the international community’s interest that New Delhi’s isolation be brought to an end.”

Burns, chief US negotiator on the nuclear issue, starts a three-day visit to India tomorrow. His reference to India’s vote against Iran at the IAEA might, however, prove embarrassing for Delhi.