Lawmakers in the United States have given initial approval to the shipment of nuclear reactors and fuel to India.

If the bill receives final approval, it will be the first time in 30 years that India is allowed to buy nuclear technology from the U.S. Lawmakers rejected amendments that would limit India's nuclear weapons programme. As part of the deal, India must open its nuclear projects to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency, forego future nuclear testing and co-operate with the U.S in halting the spread of nuclear exports.