India, US Strategic Dialogue ends, Clinton welcomes boost to ties

Washington, June 14 (ANI): India and the United States have concluded their third strategic dialogue, covering a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.

Briefing media about the discussions, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that she had an excellent meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna.

"The strategic fundamentals of our relationship are pushing our two countries' interests into closer convergence. By strategic fundamentals I mean not just our shared democratic values, but also our economic imperatives and our diplomatic and security priorities," said Clinton.

She further said that both the United States and India needed an open, free, fair, and transparent global economic system.

"We both seek security and stability in South Asia and the Asia Pacific. And, we both see the importance of a coordinated international response to violent extremism and other shared global challenges," Clinton said.

"What does this mean for our partnership? Well, today there is less need for dramatic breakthroughs that marked earlier phases in our relationship, but more need for steady, focused cooperation aimed at working through our differences and advancing the interests and values we share. This kind of daily, weekly, monthly collaboration may not always be glamorous, but it is strategically significant. And that is, after all, what this dialogue is all about," she added.

On the economic front, Clinton said that she and Krishna reviewed the progress both countries have made together, and acknowledged there is still more room for growth, investment, and business ties.

"We need to advance negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty, further reduce barriers to trade and investment in our two countries, create more hospitable environments for companies to do business," she said.

She also expressed her satisfaction over the agreement reached between Westinghouse and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India to build new power plants in Gujarat and help India meet its energy needs.

"I look forward to additional deals involving other leading American companies, including General Electric. And, we will work together to ensure these projects are implemented to produce real benefits for citizens and businesses alike," Clinton said. (ANI)