By TN Ashok / Diplomatic Editor
New Delhi, Jan 25 : India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi today heaved a sigh of relief saying six years after the bilateral civil nuclear agreement was signed it was now moving towards commercial cooperation. “ It is consistent withour law and our international legaloblgiations and technical and commercial viability”. he said at a joint media briefing with visiting US President Barack Obama with whom he had several parleys today both at the official level and a unique one on one “ chai par charcha ( discussion over tea) in the forecourt of the stately Hyderabad house.
In his opening remarks at the joint press briefing, Modi said he had seen in the last few months,a new excitement and confidence in Indo US relationship. “I see renewed energy in our engagement. I thank you for your leadership and for setting the tone last September .The civil nuclear agreement was the centrepiece of our transformed relationship, which demonstrated new trust. It also created new economic opportunities and expanded our option for clean energy.”
Modi pointed out that in the course of the past four months, both countries had worked and moved forward with a sense of purpose. “ I am pleased that six years after we signed our bilateral agreement, we are moving towards commercial cooperation, consistent with our law, our international legal obligations, and technical and commercial viability.”
President Obama, Modi said had also assured him of strong U.S. efforts in support of India’s full membership of the four international export control regimes at the earliest. But he did not elaborate on this.
Modi said India had decided to take its growing defence cooperation with the United States to a new level. “We have agreed, in principle, to pursue co-development and co-production of specific advanced defence projects. These will help upgrade our domestic defence industry; and expand the manufacturing sector in India. We will also explore cooperation in other areas of advanced defence technologies.”
Stating that India had renewed its Defence Framework Agreement, Modi said maritime security will also be deepened.
Touching on security issues, Modi said both India and USA hoped to deepen our bilateral security cooperation against terrorist groups. We will further enhance our counter-terrorism capabilities, including in the area of technology.”
On furthering economic ties , Modi said “ President Obama and I agree that a strong and growing economic relationship is vital for the success of our strategic partnership. Economic growth in our two countries is becoming stronger. Our business climate is improving. This gives me great optimism about our economic ties.”
On the issue of bilateral investments, Modi said “ we have established a number of effective bilateral mechanisms to identify opportunities and also help our businesses trade and invest more. We will also resume our dialogue on Bilateral Investment Treaty. We will also restart discussions on a Social Security Agreement that is so important for the hundreds of thousands of Indian professionals working in the United States.”
Modi said that for President Obama and him, clean and renewable energy was a personal and national priority. “ “ We discussed our ambitious national efforts and goals to increase the use of clean and renewable energy. We also agreed to further enhance our excellent and innovative partnership in this area. I asked him to lead international efforts in making renewable energy more accessible and affordable to the world. President and I expressed hope for a successful Paris Conference on climate change this year.”
India and USA will continue to deepen our collaboration in science, technology, innovation, agriculture, health, education and skills, Modi said adding these were central to the future of our two countries; and also give us an opportunity to help others around the world. “Indeed, our strategic partnership will only be complete if we assume our responsibility to work together to promote development and connectivity in our vast region. President Obama and I agreed to pursue this goal with a sense of priority.”
Stating that he had an excellent discussion on global and regional issues, Modi said we renewed our commitment to deepen our cooperation to advance peace, stability, prosperity in Asia, Pacific and Indian Ocean Region, which is critical for the future of our two countries and the destiny of this world.
“ Our relationship stands at a new level today. We have outlined a broad vision for our friendship and cooperation that reflects the opportunities and challenges of this century, Modi said adding “ We have decided to give this critical partnership a new thrust and sustained attention. For this, we have agreed that India and the United States must have regular summits at greater frequency. And, we will also establish hotlines between us and our National Security Advisors.At the beginning of this year, we start a new journey.”
On President Obama being first US President to visit India twice, he said It reflects the transformation in our relationship. It shows your deep personal commitment to this partnership. It tells us that our two nations are prepared to step forward firmly to accept the responsibility of this global partnership – for our two countries and for shaping the character of this century.
Modi said the promise and potential of this relationship has never been in doubt. This is a natural global partnership. It has become even more relevant in the digital age. It is needed even more in our world of far-reaching changes and widespread turmoil.The success of this partnership is important for our progress and for advancing peace, stability and prosperity around the world.
Modi said that from the turn of this century, we have begun transforming our relationship. But, we have to convert a good start into lasting progress. This requires translating our vision into sustained action and concrete achievements.
On Terrorism remaining a principal global threat, Modi said it was taking on a new character, even as existing challenges persist. “We agreed that we need a comprehensive global strategy and approach to combat with it. There should be no distinction between terrorist groups. Every country must fulfil its commitments to eliminate terrorist safe havens and bring terrorists to justice.”