Deepening cooperation in counter terrorism, strategic partnership, energy and climate change will dominate the agenda of the talks. Cooperation in education, science and technology, health and defence are likely to figure prominently in the talks.
The situation in the region and bilateral trade ties, civil nuclear cooperation will also be part of the strategic dialogue. The two sides will also take up regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mr. S. M. Krishna will be assisted by Deputy-Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Advisor to the Prime Minister Sam Pitroda among others. Ms Clinton will be accompanied by Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and other senior officials.
When asked if India will seek assistance from the US in the July 13 Mumbai terror blasts investigations, the sources in the external affairs ministry said that America has already offered its assistance and there is a robust cooperation between the two countries, especially after the 26/11 attacks, including in the area of threat assessment and intelligence sharing.
AIR correspondent reports that whole gamut of relations between the two countries will come up for discussions in the talks.
The issue of Indian IT companies facing difficulties in the US and visa restrictions hampering the movement of these professionals are likely to figure prominently in the talks. India is likely to draw American attention for pushing its case to become a member of the four top global export control regimes including the nuclear suppliers group, NSG. The issue of transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technology may also figure in the talks in the wake of recent decision by the NSG to strengthen its norms of transfer. India maintains that the move will not affect India specific clean waiver granted by NSG.
During her stay in the national capital Ms. Clinton will call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. She will also exchange ideas with the UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon.
