NEW DELHI : US President Barack Obama, who is arriving here on Sunday on his second visit to India, has counted cooperation in counter-terrorism, security, climate change, clean energy and trade and investments as the key elements of the relationship between the two countries, indicating the agenda of his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While admitting existence of some contentious issues with India, the US President, however, said these were no impediment in taking the relationship forward.
Mr Obama described the fight against climate change as one of the greatest threats before the two countries as global partners. He called for a strong global agreement at the Paris conference this year and sought India’s cooperation. “..Even as we recognise that our economies are at different stages of development, we can come together with other nations and achieve a strong global agreement this year in Paris to fight climate change.
“Every nation is impacted by climate change and every nation has a role to play in it.
He offered the US as a full partner in India’s efforts to create infrastructure, provide universal access to clean energy and education and create jobs.
Mr Obama said though India and the US might disagree on some things sometime, but “I believe we can work through any difference in a spirit of mutual respect.” “No two countries agree on everything, and so of course sometimes India and US will disagree,” he said. He, however, said whatever differences they have were outweighed by the many interests the two countries have in common.
“We have to make sure that our words are matched by deeds,” he said.
“India and US are natural partners,” he said in an exclusive interview the India Today magazine carried in its latest issue and released here today by former US Ambassador to India at the India Today Global Round table organised ahead of Mr Obama’s visit.
The US President called for removing barriers to trade and investment while stating that American companies were ready to build infrastructure that would be a catalyst for next wave of India growth.
“We can work together to uplift Indian communities with cleaner air, more water and more electricity, including under the civil nuclear agreement,” he said.
Mr Obama also called for the two countries increasing their security cooperation, including on maritime security in Asia Pacific.
While admitting that progress in various matters between the two countries had not come as fast as desired, he asserted that they had been able to deepen their partnership across the board. (AGENCIES)
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