The deal, which will end India's 30-year nuclear isolation and allow it to conduct nuclear commerce, cleared the Senate Wednesday and now awaits President George Bush's signature. The House of Representatives already had approved it.

Under it, the United States can export nuclear know-how banned since India's nuclear tests in 1974, CNN reported.

Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who authored the deal in 2005, have fought hard to overcome domestic opposition and get it cleared through the International Atomic Nuclear Agency and the Nuclear Suppliers' Group.

Bush thanked Senate leaders for bringing the measure to a vote and applauded its passage.

"This legislation will strengthen our global nuclear nonproliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner," Bush said.

Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said the deal will "set the stage for a stronger U.S.-India relationship" and promote stability in South Asia, CNN said.

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, a critic of the measure, said it will reward India for flouting the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which India has not signed.

Presidential contenders Barack Obama and John McCain, colleagues in the Senate, voted for the bill.

The deal will allow the IAEA to inspect India's civilian nuclear facilities but not its military facilities. The BBC reported India has 14 reactors and nine more under construction.