US President George W. Bush said Monday that he and visiting India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had agreed to increase co-operation on civilian nuclear energy, space, and high-technology issues. Singh was optimistic after their talks at the White House that the United States would remove restrictions on access to American technology to expand India's nuclear power industry for generating electricity.
"Today, we announce the completion of the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership," Bush said at a joint press conference with Singh, referring to a 2001 signed framework pact aimed at boosting bilateral ties.
"Completing this partnership will help us further enhance our co-operation in the areas of civil nuclear, civil space and high-technology commerce," Bush said.
Under the pact, the two countries launched a dialogue last year to forge non-military nuclear co-operation, including in civilian space programs and high-technology trade.
However, talks on nuclear co-operation had not produced concrete results. The United States had placed sanctions on India after its second round of nuclear tests in May 1998, but agreed after the September 11, 2001 attacks to waive those and other sanctions in return for support in the war on terrorism.
India is not a party to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty. US law bars export of technology that could aid a nuclear program to any country that has not signed the treaty.
Bush and Singh stressed the need for civil nuclear co-operation between the world's two largest democracies.
The US leader said that cleaner energy resources including nuclear power were vital for the future of both economies, which had begun an energy dialogue to find ways to "work together in this important area."
Singh said they discussed the "importance of ensuring adequate energy and affordable supplies at a time when oil prices remain high.
"Both of us recognise that civilian nuclear energy has a greater role in meeting global energy demands," he said.
Asked whether the summit talks had led to removal of restrictions on India's access to American nuclear technology, Singh said, "This issue has been addressed in a manner which gives me great satisfaction.
Bush did not say whether the United States would back India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council although he emphasised that they "have a common interest in bettering the lives of people around the world."
Singh arrived in Washington Sunday on a four-day trip with all of the trappings of a state visit.
As US and Indian flags fluttered together over Pennsylvania avenue outside the White House, Bush and Singh shook hands before the talks and stood in the sweltering Washington heat as a US Army band played their respective national anthems.
"We meet as leaders of two great democracies, committed to working together for a better and a safer world. Your visit reflects the growing bonds of co-operation between your nation and mine," Bush said.
"The relationship between our two nations has never been stronger, and it will grow even closer in the days and years to come," said Bush, who noted that both countries were "confronting global terrorism."
Singh said his visit "give us an opportunity to develop and take forward the strategic partnership between India and the United States."
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