United States and India Discuss Cooperation and Growing Bilateral Ties

Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina B. Rocca met with Indian Joint Secretary (Americas) S. Jaishankar today, November 22, at the Department to discuss the U.S.-India relationship. They agreed to work together to advance the relationship along the positive lines of increased cooperation over the past two years. The two senior officials noted the United States and India are working closely together to strengthen the global economy, solidify economic and commercial ties, and make progress in the war against terrorism and other global issues of concern, such as trafficking in persons.

Assistant Secretary Rocca and Secretary Jaishankar also reviewed progress in the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP), one of several initiatives underway to strengthen a deep and comprehensive bilateral relationship between India and the United States. Both sides stressed the importance of making steady progress on Phase II of the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership. The NSSP will strengthen high technology trade and cooperation in civilian nuclear safety and space, and promote a dialogue on missile defense.

The two senior officials also reviewed the progress in strengthening bilateral trade in high technology, the subject of last week’s interagency meetings at the Department of Commerce, and other U.S. government initiatives to strengthen cooperation with India across a broad range of fields.

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