Washington  - Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is to visit US President George W Bush September 25, the White House said Thursday.

The announcement came as the Bush administration prepared to submit the nuclear cooperation deal with India for congressional approval.

In a statement announcing Singh's visit, Bush said he was "pleased" to give formal approval to the US-India Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation and "looked forward" to working with Congress to ensure passage.

"The conclusion of this agreement, which completes the US-India civil nuclear cooperation initiative, has been a priority for both President Bush and Prime Minister Singh," the White House said.

"This historic achievement will bolster international nonproliferation efforts, provide economic and business opportunities in both countries, and help India address its growing energy needs in an environmentally responsible manner," the White House said.

When Singh visits Washington, the two leaders plan to also discuss progress in other areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, education, trade and defence.

Getting the deal through Congress is a top priority for the White House before President Bush leaves office January.

Congress is tentatively scheduled to recess at the end of this month and it remains unclear whether the legislative body will hold another session this year after the November 4 elections.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Wednesday the US government is still waiting for a final agreement between India and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that would allow for inspections of India's civilian nuclear programme.

"I think we're on track to get that up (to Congress), pending that last piece from India and the IAEA," McCormack said.

The United States required the inspections as part of the deal because India is not a member of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Some lawmakers are uncomfortable with sharing nuclear technology and material with a country that refuses to join the treaty. (dpa)