The United States-India Business Council on Friday welcomed the International Atomic Energy Agency board approval of India-specific safeguards agreement, saying that this is a big step forward for the country and the international community.

Explained: IAEA safeguards agreement

"India needs nuclear power to meet its energy needs for the 21st century. This agreement is good for India, good for the environment, and good for advancing the shared global objectives of nuclear safety and non proliferation," Ron Somers, president of the USIBC, said in a statement.

EU, US welcome IAEA nod to safeguards pact

"This is a big step forward for India and for the international community," he said.

The council said it will emphasise the need to ratify the 'historic' agreement in the 110th US Congress to the elected members in Washington.