Washington, Oct 2 The 100-member US Senate approved the Indo-US nuclear deal paving the way for its operationalisation. While 86 Senators voted for the deal, 13 opposed it.

The US Senate approved the legislation on the deal four days after the US House of Representatives passed the agreement by a clear majority (298-117 votes).

The Berman Bill "H R 7081" is named after Howard Berman, a Democrat strongly opposed to the deal on non-proliferation grounds but who subsequently change his stance.

The Senate also rejected the "killer amendments" introduced by Democratic Senators Byron Dorgan and Jeff Bingaman to ensure that the US nuclear exports to India do not help boost New Delhi's nuclear weapons programme.

The Indo-US civil nuclear deal is now ready for signing between the two countries.

The Senate's move came just ahead of an expected trip of US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to India. Rice, who was earlier scheduled to arrive in New Delhi today to sign the 123 civilian nuclear agreement, is now expected to arrive on Saturday.

During her visit, Rice will hold talks with India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on bilateral and regional issues, and also on ways to take the bilateral strategic partnership further.

Earlier, the agreement was expected to be signed by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and US President George W Bush during the former's recent visit to Washington. (ANI)