U.S. Deputy Secretary Burns concludes visit to India

New Delhi, Dec.13 (ANI): U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns has concluded his day long visit to India.

Burns met with Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

In his meetings, Burns and his Indian interlocutors reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-India partnership.

The Deputy Secretary also stressed, in particular, the importance of continuing the implementation of the U.S.-India civil-nuclear deal and leveling the playing field for foreign and domestic companies wishing to compete in India's civil-nuclear market.

Burns also reviewed developments in South Asia, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region with Foreign Secretary Mathai and External Affairs Minister Krishna.

The two sides welcomed the growth in bilateral trade and expressed their support for continued efforts to deepen defense and economic cooperation, which remain essential to the strategic partnership.

External Affairs Minister Krishna said he looked forward to visiting Washington for the next round of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue in 2012. (ANI)