The Indo-US civilian nuclear deal would benefit the American businesses as India as promised US companies a share its nuclear market, said Ellen Tauscher, nominated as the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security.

"India has promised US companies a share of its nuclear market, and, if confirmed, I will support USG efforts to ensure US companies are able to participate in it," Tauscher told US Senators in a written statement at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

India, on the other hand has publicly maintained that it would provide a level playing field to all companies and countries when it starts the process of establishing new nuclear plants to meet its energy needs.

"On September 10, 2008 the Indian government provided the United States with a strong Letter of Intent, stating its intention to purchase reactors with at least 10,000 MWe worth of new power generation capacity from US firms," she said.

Tauscher said India has committed to devote at least two nuclear reactor park sites to US firms and also committed to adhere to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC).

"If confirmed, I will monitor progress on both of these issues, but also work with our counterparts elsewhere in the US Government to ensure that all possible efforts are being made to promote US business opportunities in India's civil nuclear energy sector," Tauscher informed the Senators.