'Next Steps In Strategic Partnership With USA'

Statement by Prime Minister

"In November 2001, President Bush and I committed our countries to a strategic partnership. Since then,our two countries have strengthened bilateral cooperation significantly in several areas. Today we announcethe next steps in implementing our shared vision.

India and the United States of America agree to expand cooperation in three specific areas: civilian nuclearactivities, civilian space programmes, and high technology trade. In addition, we agree to expand our dialogueon missile defence. Cooperation in these areas will deepen the ties of commerce and friendship between our twonations, and will increase stability in Asia and beyond.

The proposed cooperation will progress through a series of reciprocal steps that will build on each other. Itwill include expanded engagement on nuclear regulatory and safety issues and missile defence, ways to enhancecooperation in peaceful uses of space technology, and steps to create the appropriate environment forsuccessful 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 andinternational cooperation in this area will be employed. These cooperative efforts will be undertaken inaccordance with our respective national laws and international obligations.

The expanded cooperation launched today is an important milestone in transforming the relationship betweenIndia and the United States of America. That relationship is based increasingly on common values and commoninterests. We are working together to promote global peace and prosperity. We are partners in the war ofterrorism and we are partners in controlling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means todeliver them.

The vision of the India-US strategic partnership that President Bush and I share is now becoming a reality".

New Delhi
January 13, 2004