The two best years in India-US ties |
As the outgoing US president Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held their last official phone conversation, reviewing the progress in bilateral relations in the past two years, Richard Verma, the outgoing US ambassador told Times of India that these have been the two best years we`ve ever. Their leaders have met nine times, held three summits, rolled out 100 new initiatives and over 40 government-to-government dialogues. This has led to big things - the Westinghouse nuclear contract, Paris climate agreement, major defence partner elevation... We are doing more with each other than ever before. After clearing the nuclear liability hurdle, Verma said, India and Westinghouse are on the verge of signing the commercial contract for nuclear reactors. A goal is set for this summer to complete commercial contract with Westinghouse. Thus far, teams have met to discuss financing... all that has taken place. Now it`s a matter of getting the final terms of the contract signed. The land has been allocated, we`re excited. We still have to get it signed. But we have moved a long way from where we were even months ago. However, NSG membership for India has eluded the grasp of the bilateral diplomacy. This is part of a larger commitment President Obama made in 2010 that India should have a seat in international institutions and regimes that is consistent with its role.
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