He is also due to make a rare address to the US Congress.
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The significant progress in the strategic relationship in recent years has not been matched in the economic arena, and that has been a disappointment for the US.
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.
India’s ambassador to the United States also told reporters last week – Westinghouse and India are in advanced stages of the negotiating a deal to build six nuclear power plants in India.
“All of us are very honoured that he took time to come and acknowledge the shuttle catastrophe and the deep cooperation that we have with India in the space world”, Williams said.
It was the clearest indication yet that India-whose ratification of the climate deal is crucial to getting it implemented by year’s end-would join the USA and China in working to do so.
“I am grateful to the United States and President (Barack) Obama for returning these treasures to India which join us to our past”, he said.
After MTCR’s announcement, India and the U.S. are expected to fast-track their discussion on sale of predator series of unmanned aircraft for the Indian military.
“Once completed, the project would be among the largest of its kind, fulfilling the promise of the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement and demonstrating a shared commitment to meet India’s growing energy needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels”, a joint statement said.
Modi, who faces re-election in 2019, has pegged his political future on a reform agenda and boosting the economy.
Relations between the countries are not always easy – India insists on staying out of formal alliances and forging its own course – but both leaders can boast that ties have improved.
After Modi’s landslide election win in May 2014 the US said he would be welcome to the country as a head of government.
In a nod to India’s increasing importance to the US, the prime minister on Wednesday will address a joint meeting of Congress, the same entity that had played a role in barring his entry to the USA until about three years ago.
He said he and Obama would meet in September on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit (in China). “Technology can help us catch those indulging in illicit trafficking”, the Prime Minister said.
From the U.S., Modi will visit Mexico before heading back to India. During the meeting between leaders of the world’s largest and oldest democracies, a range of issues of mutual interest were discussed.
“The President would really like India to ratify the Paris Climate treaty before he leaves office”, Vaishnav says.
Crucially for India, which has in the past flirted more with the Soviet Union than the United States, New Delhi’s friendship with Washington hasn’t cost it its own independent views.
He has also made nuclear energy a priority, in part to offset horrendous levels of air pollution. He committed India to standards that will be good for the Indian population…
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Climate change could also figure in the talks.
