For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 12, 2004
Statement by the President on India
Next Steps in Strategic Partnership with India
In November 2001, Prime Minister Vajpayee and I committed our
countries to a strategic partnership. Since then, our two countries
have strengthened bilateral cooperation significantly in several
areas. Today we announce the next steps in implementing our shared
vision.
The United States and India agree to expand cooperation in three
specific areas: civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs,
and high-technology trade. In addition, we agree to expand our
dialogue on missile defense. Cooperation in these areas will deepen
the ties of commerce and friendship between our two nations, and will
increase stability in Asia and beyond.
The proposed cooperation will progress through a series of
reciprocal steps that will build on each other. It will include
expanded engagement on nuclear regulatory and safety issues and missile
defense, ways to enhance cooperation in peaceful uses of space
technology, and steps to create the appropriate environment for
successful high technology commerce. In order to combat the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, relevant laws,
regulations and procedures will be strengthened, and measures to
increase bilateral and international cooperation in this area will be
employed. These cooperative efforts will be undertaken in accordance
with our respective national laws and international obligations.
The expanded cooperation launched today is an important milestone
in transforming the relationship between the United States and India.
That relationship is based increasingly on common values and common
interests. We are working together to promote global peace and
prosperity. We are partners in the war on terrorism and we are
partners in controlling the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction and the means to deliver them.
The vision of U.S.-India strategic partnership that Prime Minister
Vajpayee and I share is now becoming a reality.
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