Modi in US: America backs India on NSG to take bilateral ties to new heights

Washington: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday supported India’s candidature for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as he discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ways to take bilateral ties to new heights.

The meeting came as members of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) on Tuesday agreed to admit India, diplomats with direct knowledge of the matter said.

During his remarks to the media, Mr Obama said they discussed progress made in the civil nuclear agreement. The two leaders welcomed the start of preparatory work on six nuclear reactors in India, a key step in closing the first deal stemming from the US-India civil nuclear accord struck over a decade ago.

A joint US-India statement said India and the US Export-Import Bank intend to work together towards a competitive financing package for the project and will work to finalise contractual agreements by June 2017.

“Once completed, the project would be among the largest of its kind, fulfilling the promise of the US-India civil nuclear agreement and demonstrating a shared commitment to meet India’s growing energy needs while reducing reliance on fossil fuels,” the joint statement said.

Addressing the media jointly with Mr Modi after over hour-long talks at the White House, President Obama said it was natural for India and the US, the two biggest democracies, to “deepen and broaden” their partnership. Mr Modi said the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues.