Washington: In their first summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama today pledged to push the bilateral relationship to “new levels”, resolve issues blocking implementation of the civil nuclear deal and cooperate in counter terrorism.
During their hour-long discussions, which covered a broad range of issues including economic cooperation, trade and investment, Modi raised the demand for easier access to Indian services in the US.
After the two countries reached an agreement on extending their defence cooperation for ten more years, the Prime Minister invited American companies to participate in Indian defence manufacturing sector.
The discussions, the first formal meeting between the two leaders spread over delegation and restricted levels, covered terrorism in South Asia and emerging threats in West Asia.
Here are details of the statement being issued by President Obama and PM Modi:
11:03 pm: PM Modi and President Obama concluded the session with Modi inviting the later to India and his family to India
10:52 pm: Modi: We are both committed to helping Afghanistan and improving our coordination in this area. I look forward to receiving President Obama and his family in India at a convenient time
10:51 pm: Modi: We are serious about resolution of issues on both sides to enable civil nuclear energy cooperation to take off. We want to welcome US defence companies
10:49 pm: Modi: United States is key to our 'look east, link west' policy: PM Modi
10:48 pm: Modi: During our talks, we shared concern on the Ebola crisis in Africa for which India has committed $12 million
10: 48 pm: Modi: We discussed existing terrorism challenges including in south Asia and new threats in west Asia and beyond
10:47 pm: Modi: During our talks, there was great convergence in international matters. I am happy that we are meeting here just a few days after the India US missions reached Mars at the same time. After the India US summit on the mars we are meeting on earth.
10:47 pm: Modi: We have agreed to consult and cooperate on climate change - it is our area of priority. I requested Obama to take steps to facilitate easier access to services in the US
10:46 pm: Modi: We had open discussions on WTO issues. India supports trade facilitation but we want a solution that would take care of our concerns on food security as well.
10:45 pm: Modi: In India, we have laid emphasis on changing both policy and processes that would make business activities easier in India. I believe India-US economic partnership will grow speedily in the coming years
10:44 pm: Modi: My conversation with President Obama has reinforced my conviction that India and US are natural partners
10:43 pm: Modi thanks Obama for the warm welcome extended to him.
10:43 pm: On Obama's conclusion Modi issues a statement
10:41 pm: Obama: We have decided to deepen existing ties with India
10:39 pm: Obama initiates the talk
10:37 pm: PM Modi and President Obama to make joint statement on bilateral talks between the leaders.
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