Washington: President Barack Obama today backed India's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) amid a major push to the strategic ties between the two countries which finalised a "roadmap" to give India the status of US' close partner in the defence sector.
Obama, who held over hour-long talks with Prime MinisterNarendra Modi here, also promised to cooperate with India against terrorist threats from groups such as Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba as well as 'D' Company, a reference to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
"In this context, they (the two leaders) directed their officials to identify specific new areas of collaboration at the next meeting of U.S.-India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group," said a Joint Statement issued after the talks.
Significantly, the American side also committed itself to treating Pathankot attack at par with 26/11 terror strike in terms of ensuring punishment to perpetrators based in Pakistan.
The two countries also decided to start work on construction of six American nuclear reactors in India amid affirmation that the Liability issue has been addressed.
Six pacts, including one on exchange of screening of terror information, besides two other documents were signed after the talks that mainly covered issues like terrorism, clean energy, climate change, defence, regional security, cyber security, economic ties and people-to-people contacts.
Addressing the media jointly with Modi at his Oval office, Obama said it was natural for India and the US, two biggest democracies, to "deepen and broaden" partnership.
Progress made in the Civil Nuclear agreement was among the issues discussed, Obama said.
"I indicated support to India being a part of NSG," the US President said in remarks which assume significance since China is opposing such a move.
Obama underlined that India needs technology, which is critical for its progress and prosperity.
The 50-point Joint Statement said, "President Obama welcomed India's application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and re-affirmed that India is ready for membership. The United States called on NSG Participating Governments to support India's application when it comes up at the NSG Plenary later this month.
"The United States also re-affirmed its support for India's early membership of the Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement."
Modi later said, "I am ever thankful for the help and support that my friend President Obama has extended with regard to membership in MTCR and NSG.
Seeking to boost the strategic ties, India and the US finalised the text of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).
"Noting that the US-India defense relationship can be an anchor of stability, and given the increasingly strengthened cooperation in defense, the United States hereby recognizes India as a Major Defense Partner," the Joint Statement said.
"The United States will continue to work toward facilitating technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners," it said.
Briefing the media, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the two sides finalised a "roadmap" under which India can have "better" and "licence-free" access to America's defence and dual-use technology.
The framework will also ensure that the relationship goes beyond that of sale and collaboration and encompasses the 'Make in India' initiative, whereby defense equipment could be manufactured in India through transfer of technology, he said.
"The leaders reached an understanding under which India would receive license-free access to a wide range of dual-use technologies in conjunction with steps that India has committed to take to advance its export control objectives.
"In support of India's 'Make In India' initiative, and to support the development of robust defense industries and their integration into the global supply chain, the United States will continue to facilitate the export of goods and
technologies, consistent with U.S. law, for projects, programs and joint ventures in support of official U.S.-India defense cooperation," the statement said.
According to the statement, the US committed to enhance cooperation in support of India's 'Make in India' Initiative and expand the co-production and co-development of technologies under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
"They welcomed the establishment of new DTTI working groups to include agreed items covering Naval Systems, Air Systems, and other Weapons Systems," it said.
The leaders announced the finalization of the text of an Information Exchange Annex under the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation. Highlights:
* President Obama has offered immense support to India on many issues including Missile technology control regime, NSG: PM Modi
* India and USA have strong bonds: President Barack Obama
* Will meet again in G20, will fulfill dream of climate justice. Our friend Obama extended support to MTCR and NSG, will always be grateful:PM Modi
* We are working shoulder to shoulder, we are proud. Will continue working together. India is a young country,over 800 million of Indians below age of 35. Our youth power in partnership with US will serve mankind: PM Modi
* Want to thank my close friend President Obama,we discussed a range of issues. Also thank US Congress for inviting me: PM Modi
* We discussed regional security issues,we wish to work together on cyber security: President Obama
* We discussed progress made on nuclear civil cooperation: President Obama after meeting PM Modi
* PM Modi and Barack Obama hold wide-ranging bilateral talks at the White House
* PM Narendra Modi arrives at the White House to meet President Barack Obama
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister visited the Arlington National Cemetery and laid a wreath there. He also attended a meeting of heads of US think tanks and a function at which some rare Indian artifacts were repatriated.
