NEW DELHI: (AMN) India and the United States are all set sign a variety of agreements in various areas, and to further cementing their cooperation in counter terrorism.
Talking to media person on the forthcoming state visit of President Barack Obama beginning Saturday, the Foreign Secretary Mrs. Nirupama Rao said that the two sides would discuss how to expand the strategic framework of their relationship on the basis of shared values and interests.
The agreements are likely to be signed in the fields of agriculture, science and technology, space, clean energy and health during the high profile visit.
Rao said that a plan of action would be drawn up in specific areas of cooperation in counter terrorism as a follow up to an MoU signed last year. She said that both countries were of the view that the U.S. control on dual use technology needs to be reviewed and looked at afresh to see how obstacles can be removed and expressed optimism about a possible breakthrough.
To a question on Civil- nuclear energy cooperation, Mrs. Rao said that India has invited US companies to explain them the provisions of its domestic civil nuclear liability law and address their concerns and a delegation will be coming to India shortly.
Mrs. Rao said that the focus of the discussions between President Barack Obama and the Indian leadership would be on increasing economic partnership. Regional security, terrorism from across the border, Afghanistan, and the global economic situation are among the issues expected to be on the table.
About the comments of Home Secretary G K Pillai that India was not given access to full and specific information on David Headley, Rao said "…There has been unprecedented cooperation and there has been excellent and very responsive attitude from the American side on the investigation on Mumbai terror attacks."
Asked if India will also seek support of US to be included as part of elite groups, including Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Foreign Secretary said all these issues are part of the strategic discussions between the two countries.
She admitted that there was some hitches on the issue of outsourcing but she said that the Indo-US relations have "matured" now.
She also outlined the schedule of the US President during his stay in India which will include meeting with business community in Mumbai on 6th November, the day of his arrival, talks with the Prime Minister and address to the joint meeting of members of Parliament on 8th November.