The Hindu Business Line : New thrust to Indo-US ties in civilian nuclear, hi-tech areas

THE vision that the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, shared with the US President, Mr George Bush, on India-US strategic partnership is now becoming a reality.

Following up on the commitment entered into in November 2001 for a strategic partnership, Mr Vajpayee and Mr Bush on Tuesday issued identical statements detailing the next steps that India and the US are taking to strengthen their bilateral relationship. This includes increased co-operation in civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programmes, and trade in high technology, plus an expanded dialogue on missile defence.

In identical statements issued in Washington by the White House and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) here, Mr Bush and Mr Vajpayee said: "Co-operation in these areas will deepen the ties of commerce and friendship between our two nations, and will increase stability in Asia and beyond."

"The proposed co-operation will progress through a series of reciprocal steps that will build on each other. It will include expanded engagement on nuclear regulatory and safety issues and missile defence, ways to enhance cooperation in peaceful uses of space technology, and steps to create the appropriate environment for successful high technology commerce. In order to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, relevant laws, regulations and procedures will be strengthened, and measures to increase bilateral and international cooperation in this area will be employed. These co-operative efforts will be undertaken in accordance with our respective national laws and international obligations," the two leaders said.

The two statements concluded saying, "The expanded co-operation launched today is an important milestone in transforming the relationship between India and the United States of America. That relationship is based increasingly on common values and common interests. We are working together to promote global peace and prosperity. We are partners in the war on terrorism and we are partners in controlling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them."

A US State Department official said in Washington that the extent of the strategic co-operation between India and the US would depend on the strengthening of Indian export controls.

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