Photo: NDTV
On the first day of his much-hyped visit to India, US president Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi successfully able to seal the long-delayed civil nuclear deal with USA reportedly withdrew the dispute “tracking” clause, which was the main reason for stalling the deal since 2008.
“We have achieved a breakthrough and are moving towards full implementation of the civil nuclear energy deal,” said US President Barack Obama at a joint press conference in Hyderabad House on Sunday.
“Civil nuclear cooperation is a step to elevate our relationship,” he added.
“I am pleased that six years after we signed our bilateral agreement, we are moving towards commercial cooperation, consistent with our laws (and) international legal obligations,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Photo: NDTV
“Civil nuclear deal was the centerpiece of Indo-US understandin, ” Modi added.
The informal ‘chai pe charcha’ at the shamiana in Hyderabad house between Obama and Modi, also brought some more breakthrough in the field on climate changes, permanent seat in the UN council as well as in the Defense sector.
“In the last few months, I see new excitement and confidence, renewed energy in India-US relationship,” Modi said adding, “”Economic growth in the two countries is becoming stronger. We will resume dialogue on bilateral investment treaty.”
With ‘Mera Pyaar Bhara Namaskar’, Barack Obama expressed how ‘honoured’ he said, “I am looking forward to tomorrow’s ceremonies which I am told are spectacular.”
Photo: PTI
“Deepening ties with India will remain a top foreign policy priority for our administration,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi rejected any pressure from US or China on the climate change issue.
“India is an independent country and we are not under pressure because US and China have reached a climate deal. But we are under ‘pressure’ as climate change is a problem and we should work to give a clean environment to future generations” he said.
“The reason why me meet often is important. I am new in this sphere but what I have understood in this short span of time is that relationship between two countries is more about chemistry between leaders. This personal chemistry between myself and Barack has brought India and US together” he explained.
Photo: Reuters
The prime minister also said that the US president has assured him of supporting India’s demand of the full membership at UNSC.
“Obama assured me of strong US efforts in support of India’s full membership of the four multilateral export control regimes at the earliest,” Modi said.
Earlier in the day President Obama was welcomed with ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, with Wing Commander Pooja Thakur led the guard of honour. President Obama also paid homage at Raj Ghat.
Tags: Barack Obama Indo-US Narendra Modi Nuclear deal Obama in India USA
