Great Expectations From Modi's U.S. Visit

Secretary of State John Kerry and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker have also visited India ahead of the Modi visit.

The Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) was the "centrepiece of our defence cooperation, and I am committed to enhancing it," Hagel said in New Delhi mentioning proposals to transfer technology and production expertise to India.

These included a plan for the U.S. and India to co-produce and co-develop the Javelin anti-tank missile. A new defence framework agreement to replace the 10-year defence agreement expiring next year is also on the anvil.

But nothing major is expected over the stalled India-US nuclear deal - a major disappointment for the U.S. after the heavy lifting it did to bring India out of its nuclear isolation.

This despite what Biswal called a strong desire on the part of Modi government to work through the "tough issues" - a reference to the tough Indian nuclear liability law which calls for heavy compensation by suppliers and contractors alike in case of an accident.
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