Progress made on finalising defence pacts during Obama-Modi meet: US

Washington: The meeting between President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi resulted in progress on finalising some key defence agreements between India and the US, the White House on Wednesday said.

"I can tell you that there was important progress on finalising agreements relating to defence logistics, sharing of maritime information, and even the movement of US aircraft carriers in the region," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.

The news conference took place as Obama and Modi had a working lunch at the Cabinet Room of the White House. Earnest said the question about coordinating India US activities when it comes to national security and counter-terrorism was an important part of the agenda.

"The President was certainly interested in looking for ways that the United States could deepen our coordination with India," he said.

The United States, under the leadership of President Obama, has placed a renewed focus on its strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific and in the Indian Ocean, he said, adding that the finalisation of agreements on key defense related issues was important in this regard.

"We welcome that improved cooperation and coordination, and we believe it will have a material and positive impact on the national security of the United States in India. The two leaders agreed to have their staffs continue to work on efforts to deepen that cooperation even further," Earnest said.

The United States, he said, has sought to extend and deepen its relationship when it comes to India's work in diversifying its sources of energy. And that includes building nuclear power plants by Westinghouse. We believe that would have positive impacts on the climate and a positive impact on the economy both in the United States and in India. For overcoming any obstacles to completing and implementing that (Nuclear Suppliers Group membership for India)," he said.