Opening remarks of External Affairs Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee at the Press Conference

Washington, DC 
March 25, 2008

I have concluded a very productive and fruitful visit to the United States, the first in my capacity as the Minister for External Affairs of India. I had wide-ranging discussions with Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and had the honor to call on President George W. Bush. I also had the pleasure of interacting with a group of invited scholars and guests at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 

My discussions with the US leadership reinforced our view that the India-US relationship is robust and forward-leaning and answers to the interests of both countries. Based on a foundation of shared values and tangible mutual benefit, the India-US strategic partnership has grown from strength to strength. I believe that there is consensus in both countries to strengthen India-US ties and to further enrich our bilateral agenda. Our relations encompass a meaningful and regular political dialogue, vibrant economic and commercial interaction and collaboration over a wide spectrum of issues including energy, defense, space, science and technology, agriculture and education. We also discussed the way forward on opening civil nuclear cooperation by India with USA and other partners as a critical element of our energy security. 

I also had the opportunity to discuss with President Bush and Secretary Rice several regional and international issues including developments in many countries in our region. We have a commonality of views on most issues in terms of our objectives and we had the opportunity to discuss thoroughly the most effective ways to achieve them. Several countries in our region are going through a period of transition and it is in India’s direct interest that there should be peace, stability and economic development that will benefit all. We also discussed climate change and the need for a successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round. 

Although India-US relations have a strong dynamic and logic of their own resulting in the kind of momentum we have witnessed in recent years, I would like to pay a tribute to the personal contribution of President Bush, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Secretary Rice to this process. I have invited Secretary Rice to visit India at a mutually convenient date, and she has accepted this invitation.

Thank you.