The United States and India have concluded negotiations on a long-delayed landmark civilian nuclear agreement.
In a statement, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called the deal "a historic milestone" in the strategic partnership with India.
No details of the controversial pact were given. But it must clear several remaining hurdles, including international and U.S. congressional approval, before nuclear trade could begin.
The agreement, approved by India's cabinet earlier this week, would allow India access to U.S. nuclear fuel and equipment for the first time in 30 years. New Delhi has tested nuclear weapons and has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
But under the deal, India has agreed to open its civilian nuclear reactors to international inspectors.
A final agreement was hindered by India's objection to U.S. demands that it not conduct any further nuclear weapons tests and to proposed limits on the reprocessing of nuclear fuel.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
