Obama added that India and United States of America have a very strong bond.
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Indian officials, however, have pointed to a slew of initiatives taken by Modi’s government over the last two years which they said was proof that New Delhi was taking the issue seriously. “Technology can help us catch those indulging in illicit trafficking”, he added.
That public display of support is likely to be noted in Beijing, which has been skeptical about India’s readmission.
The SAARC diplomacy which was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing in ceremony in May 2014 was enough to bring back the warmth that had gone missing between India and Afghanistan who have shared warmest of relationship since thousands of years.
Modi’s visit to the USA will highlight the collaboration between the two countries.
Modi, who rose to prominence as a leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, was denied a visa to visit the U.S.in 2005, three years after religious riots killed more than 1,000 Muslims in the western state of Gujarat, where he was then the top official.
Modi later said, “I am thankful for the help and support that my friend President Obama has extended with regard to membership in MTCR and NSG.The Nuclear Power Corporation of India and United States firm Westinghouse have agreed to begin engineering and site design work immediately for six nuclear power plant reactors in India and conclude contractual arrangements by June 2017, the White House said on Tuesday”.
.I think the bottom line for us is that we believe that through engagement with India and through engagement with groups like the NSG, we are in a better position to support India as a good citizen on these issues, Rhodes said. The development comes as India was expanding its diplomatic outreach seeking support for its entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
Since 2007 the USA has returned more than 8,000 stolen artifacts to 30 countries, including paintings from France, Germany, Poland and Austria; 15th to 18th century manuscripts from Italy and Peru; and cultural artifacts from China, Cambodia and Iraq.
Westinghouse and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India would work toward finalising the contract by June 2017, a year later than Westinghouse’s chief executive, Daniel Roderick, said he hoped for in an interview with Reuters in late March.
Still, the breakthrough on the MTCR will be welcomed in the U.S. Congress, which Modi will address on Wednesday.
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Obama and Modi may also announce a separate agreement to cut the use of hydrofluorocarbons, potent planet-warming chemicals produced by coolants in refrigerators and air-conditioners. A defense logistics agreement is likely to be finalized during Modi’s Washington visit.
