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N-deal, trade to dominate Bush visit
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February 15, 2006 17:18 IST
Reflecting the transformation in Indo-US ties, upgrading economic and bilateral relations and the nuclear deal are expected to dominate President George W Bush's [Images] discussions with Indian leaders during his historic visit to India beginning on March 1.

"This visit is not about the nuclear deal. It is really about strengthening economic cooperation," official sources said today.

Leading a high-power delegation, 59-year-old Bush, accompanied by First Lady Laura Bush, will arrive in New Delhi  late on March 1.

He will meet President A P J Abdul Kalam the next day and hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on the entire gamut of bilateral ties besides exchanging views on key international issues.

During Singh's visit to Washington in July last year, the two leaders had declared their resolve to transform the relationship between the two countries and establish a global partnership.

PM's US visit: Complete coverage

This will be taken forward during the parleys here with both sides keen to further consolidate the new relationship to promote stability, democracy, prosperity and peace throughout the world.

While Bush's programme is being fine-tuned, he is expected to visit the cyber city Hyderabad on March 3 and go to the Knowledge Park and address the Agriculture University.

On whether an agreement will be firmed up for implementing the July 18 Joint Statement regarding civil nuclear energy cooperation, the sources pointed out that Bush and Singh had agreed last year that they would review progress on this front when the US President travels to India.

Bush had then stated that as a responsible state with advanced nuclear technology, India should acquire the same benefits and advantages as other such countries.

He had also pledged to work to achieve full civil nuclear energy cooperation with India as it realises its goals of promoting nuclear power and achieving energy security.

During the talks here, the American side is expected to brief New Delhi on its discussions with the US Congress to adjust US laws and policies as also its consultations with allies and friends in Nuclear Suppliers Group to change international nuclear regimes to enable full civil nuclear energy cooperation and trade with India.

Nuclear deal: Complete coverage

Under the Joint Statement, the US had said it would work for expeditious consultations of fuel supplies for safeguarded nuclear reactors at Tarapur.

On his part, the Prime Minister had conveyed that India would be ready to assume the same responsibilities and practices and acquire the same benefits and advantages as other leading countries with advanced nuclear technology.

These consist of separating civilian and military nuclear facilities and programmes in a phased manner and taking a decision to voluntarily place its civilian facilities under IAEA safeguards.

"Details (about the nuclear deal) are being worked out. It will conform to the political will of the two leaders. It is a matter of time," the sources said.

On the controversy over the separation issue, they contended that in such complex negotiations, a number of factors are placed by both sides and concerted efforts made to iron out differences.

India's lethargy could torpedo N-deal

After his talks with Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran here last month, US Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns had stated that while there was some progress over the last six months on the nuclear issue, there were also "some difficulties" ahead.

The two sides are expected to discuss steps to enhance cooperation in agricultural research, information technology, bio-technology and long-term commitments in other areas.

Bush will return from Hyderabad on the evening of March 3 to deliver a public lecture here and is likely to fly to Pakistan the next morning.


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