The United States and the European Union on Friday led the international community in promptly welcoming the International Atomic Energy Agency's approval of India-specific safeguards agreement, saying it will boost non-proliferation efforts and hoped that the Nuclear Suppliers' Group will too give a waiver to New Delhi [Images] for nuclear commerce.

Explained: IAEA safeguards agreement

"We welcome it. We believe the Agreement to be consistent with the high standards used by the IAEA for safeguards," a White House House official told PTI in Washington.

US Ambassador to India David C Mulford described the approval as a key step in the implementation of the Indo-US nuclear deal and vowed to 'vigorously' obtain the exception in the NSG and clearance from the US Congress.

"Friday's approval of India-specific safeguards agreement by the IAEA Board of Governors is a key step towards implementation of the Indo-US civil nuclear cooperation initiative.

Exclusive: What the IAEA agreement gives India

"We will work vigorously with India to obtain an India-specific exception in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the final US Congressional approval," Mulford said in statement.

Echoing sentiments of the US, Britain hailed the agreement as a 'significant contribution to energy and climate security'.