The United States on Wednesday expressed confidence that the civil nuclear deal with India will be finalised by the end of the year.

"The world is watching. If we can get it done, it will be a way forward to a tremendous future," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told the annual meeting of the United States-India Business Council in Washington.

Stating that the deal had good bipartisan support, Rice said: "I do not believe this initiative is Republican or Democratic."

Calling it a huge step forward, Rice said with will and determination, the two countries will be able to finalize it by the end of the year.

The initiative, Rice said, opens a number of doors including in science and technology and environment and would help in strengthening international security.

During the last few yeas, she said the United States has taken a number of steps towards improving growing partnership with India, which could benefit in such areas as non-proliferation and fight against terrorism.

Emphasizing the importance of global free trade, she stressed the need for early and successful conclusion of the Doha round of trade negotiations.