Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded an official three-day trip to Washington, where he met with business leaders, addressed Congress, and discussed U.S.– India ties with President Barack Obama. It was the two leaders’ third major bilateral summit, and reflected the strong partnership between the world’s two largest democracies.
In remarks after the meeting, President Obama said the United States and India have deepened and broadened their partnership across a range of issues.
Mr. Obama cited India’s role in Paris in helping to forge the historic climate change agreement, noting both countries’ commitment to full implementation. The leaders discussed how they could bring the Agreement into force this year. They also resolved to work to adopt a hydrofluorocarbon amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2016.
The President noted the necessity for climate financing to be in place in India in order for Prime Minister Modi’s “bold vision” for solar and clean energy to be realized, and the two countries identified next steps under the U.S.-India Partnership to Advance Clean Energy, including strengthened cooperation to accelerate the deployment of rooftop solar power in India.
The two also discussed the progress the two countries have made around civil nuclear energy and welcomed the start of work in India to build six Westinghouse reactors that are expected to bring clean, reliable electricity to millions. The U.S. supports India’s admission to the Nuclear Suppliers Group, a body dedicated to curbing nuclear arms proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that could be used in nuclear weapons development.
A key priority for both the United States and India is determining the best way to promote economic opportunity and alleviate poverty. President Obama said he and Prime Minister Modi discussed a range of areas for cooperation, including trade and job growth, in particular for the youth of both countries.
Important issues of regional security were also discussed. President Obama noted that “India and the United States have a shared vision of peace, of democracy, of countries resolving conflicts diplomatically, rather than through war. And when we work together on the international stage we can make significant progress.”
In a joint statement, President Obama and Prime Minister Modi affirmed the increasing convergence in the strategic perspectives of the United States and India and pledged to remain closely invested in each other’s security and prosperity.
