US, India to work towards countering terrorism

New Delhi: Highlights of some key issues the United States and India have agreed to work on together.

Counter Terrorism:

Cooperation on countering terrorism is a pillar of the US-India relationship. The United States and India exchange ideas about law enforcement, conduct joint military training exercises and work together to counter terrorism issues in key international forums. Both sides agreed to deepen efforts in this area after the 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Nuclear security:

The United States and India signed a memorandum of understanding that provides a framework for cooperative activities in working with India's Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership, which India announced at the 2010 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington. The United States will give priority to discussion of best practices on the security of nuclear material and facilities, development of international nuclear security training curricula and programs, joint outreach on security issues to their respective nuclear industries and cooperation on other nuclear security activities.

Afghanistan:

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed to work closely to help the people of Afghanistan by focusing on agricultural development and women's empowerment.

Evergreen Revolution:

The leaders agreed to work together to develop, test and replicate new technologies to extend food security in India as part of an "evergreen revolution." The efforts are intended to benefit farmers and consumers in India, the United States and around the world and will extend food security in India, Africa and globally.

Clean Energy and climate change:

Obama and Singh reaffirmed commitments to take "vigorous action" to address climate change, ensure mutual energy security and build a clean energy economy they hope will drive investment, job creation and economic growth.

Education:

The leaders agreed to hold a US-India Education Summit and expand academic exchanges between their students, colleges and universities.

Defence cooperation:

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of maritime security, unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation according to relevant universally agreed principles of international law.

Cyber security:

The US and India are boosting joint efforts to promote a reliable information and communications infrastructure, with a goal of free, fair and secure access to cyberspace.

Export controls:

Obama and Singh agreed to put in place a four-part export control reform program, including support for India's membership in multilateral export control regimes, removing India's defense and space-related entities from the US "entity list," export licensing policy realignment and cooperation on export control.