US, India unveil plans to deepen ties

[caption id="attachment_65135" align="alignright" width="300"] FRIENDLY GREETING: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama shake hands as the president and US first lady Michelle Obama arrive in New Delhi Picture: AFP -[/caption]

In a glow of bonhomie, US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled plans to unlock billions of dollars in nuclear trade and to deepen defence ties, steps they hope will establish an enduring strategic partnership.

The two countries reached an understanding on two issues that, despite a groundbreaking 2006 agreement, had stopped US companies from setting up reactors in India and had become one of the major irritants in bilateral ties.

“We are committed to moving towards full implementation,” Obama told a joint news conference with Modi.

“This is an important step that shows how we can work together to elevate our relationship.”

-Roberta Rampton and Sanjeev MiglanI, Reuters