Modi meets Obama, two leaders to convince Communist nation against blocking India’s NSG bid
India received a major diplomatic boost on Tuesday, with members of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a key anti-proliferation grouping, agreeing to grant it membership. However, it still faces stiff opposition from China for an entry into the elite nuclear trading club, the Nuclear Supplier Group (NSG).
Sources said that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barrack Obama will coordinate to convince the Chinese leadership on the need for giving India access to nuclear materials at the G-20 summit scheduled in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China.
The US president supported India's candidature for NSG, saying it requires technology. It is believed that US-based Westinghouse will sign a deal with Nuclear Power Corporation of India by June 2017 for six nuclear reactors in India.
Obama, while welcoming Modi, also talked about the necessity of concluding the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Modi pledged to ratify the agreement, but called for climate justice and help from the US and other countries to help India in clean energy.
Modi, who held a two-hour-long talk with Obama in Washington, the seventh since he assumed office, called for a regime of climate justice. "Discussed with Modi how to bring Paris Climate Agreement into force as quickly as possible," said Obama.
India, US Export-Import Banks will work together for a competitive financing package for nuclear reactors. "Obama extended support to MTCR and NSG... will always be grateful," Modi said. Obama said they also discussed regional security issues and decided to work together on cyber security issues.
While there was no word on issues like logistical support and other defence-related agreements, the joint statement after the bilateral meeting indicates rejuvenated ties between the two nations, with the US not only backing India's geopolitical ambitions, but also investing in the nation, with an aim to tap the $500- million Indian market.
Indicating massive amount of investment from the US in India, Modi said: "India is a young country, with a population of 800 million beneath the age of 35. Our partnership with the US will immensely help," Modi said. According to sources, Obama has assured massive amount of US investments, which would, in turn, create massive job opportunities in India.
The deadline for the members of the 34-nation MTCR to raise objections to India's entry expired on Monday without any objection.
Analysts here believe that with India committing itself to join the Paris climate change deal this year, it would provide a "significant global momentum" towards the implementation of the agreement.
"Both countries are committed to working together and with others to promote the full implementation of the Paris Agreement to address the urgent threats posed by the climate change," the White House said after the Oval Office meeting between Obama and Modi.
Modi and Obama also resolved to work together at the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) assembly to reach a successful outcome in addressing greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation.
"Further, the two countries will pursue, under the leadership of the G20, to promote improved heavy-duty vehicle standards and efficiency in accordance with national priorities and capabilities," the White House said.
With 300 million people living without electricity and vast resources of coal, India needs financial commitments for an uninterrupted nuclear fuel supply for its reactors to switch over from fossil fuels.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Modi-obama-doval-jaishankar-US")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}