WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama today supported India's candidature for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as he discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi ways to take the bilateral ties to new heights.
Addressing the media jointly with Modi after over hour-long talks at the White House, Obama said it was natural for India and the US, two biggest democracies, to "deepen and broaden" partnership.
Modi said the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, particularly ways to take the bilateral economic ties to new heights.The other issues discussed by them included terrorism, clean energy, climate change, regional security and cyber security.
During his remarks to the media, Obama said they discussed progress made in the Civil Nuclear agreement. "I indicated support to India being a part of NSG," the US President said amidst opposition by China to such a move. Obama underlined that India needs technology which is critical for its progress and prosperity.
Modi later said, "I am thankful for the help and support that my friend President Obama has extended with regard to membership in MTCR and NSG."
Obama said non-proliferation of nuclear material and technology was also discussed. "I also mentioned the Prime Minister's very effective participation in the Nuclear Security Summit," he said.
Traditional security challenges as well as new challenges, like cyber security, were discussed during the talks, the US President said.
While informing that they also discussed "important regional issues", he said the US and India have "shared vision of peace and development" and that "complex issues" should be resolved diplomatically.
Modi said India and the US, the two biggest democracies, have worked shoulder-to-shoulder in meeting the challenges that face, not only the two countries, but the entire world.
"Over the last two years, India and the US have been cooperating on global issues like climate change, nuclear security, terrorism...I feel proud, not just as friends but as two countries, on this and we will continue to work shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
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