Veteran groups in the United States have come out in support of the implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal and urged the Congress to clear the legislation pending before it in this regard as the accord serves the future security of America.

"We know what it means to defend America; therefore we offer our strong support for the nuclear initiative and we want to thank Congress for taking up the pact and urge them to complete the work on the agreement," the veteran groups said.

The statement has been signed by several veteran groups like Veterans of Foreign Reserve Officers Association, Reserve Enlisted Association, Korean War Veterans, American Military Society, Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association, Gold Star Wives of America and Retired Enlisted Association.

America will be faced with new 'future military challenges' that could come from potential threats from China, Iran and North Korea, the groups said, adding that India, the world's largest democracy and a growing military and economic force, can help American security interests in a way no other nations in the area can.

'The nuclear deal will help solidify India's commitment to implement strong export controls, separate its civilian nuclear infrastructure from the weapons programme and place civilian facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency Safeguards,' they said.

'The deal has long term strategic benefits for the US, the region and India. We urge Congress to complete work on the pact and lay the groundwork for increased security and cooperation with India because it is in America's future security interests to do so,' the groups observed.