| Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's first bilateral trip to the US on July 18 is expected to etch a new chapter in the Indo-US ties, with indications that US President George W. Bush wants to cement an enduring relationship that fits in with his idea of a global axis of democracies. Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran is already in the US to prepare for the visit which may lead to big announcements on enhancing strategic cooperation. "It will be a benchmark visit as it is part of the larger rebranding of India in the US strategic calculus," says a senior US diplomat.  | | PICTURE SPEAK | |  | | REASON TO SMILE: Manmohan (left) and Bush | | At the top of the agenda is cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, with the US perhaps willing to provide nuclear fuel and reactors for the Indian nuclear plants which it had earlier denied and which may involve hard bargaining. To discuss the specifics, an energy dialogue has been initiated which will also discuss ways to meet India's energy requirements and integrate India into the global nuclear regime. The timing is significant as it coincides with the npt review conference under way in New York, which is expected to discuss how India, Pakistan and Israel can cohabit with the npt members as responsible nuclear states. It is in this context that the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Bill passed recently by Parliament is important as it addresses the lacunae in the export control regime in India. The law bans the transfer of technology of biological and chemical weapons and their delivery systems, with sentences like life imprisonment for nuclear proliferation. It sends a message that India is a responsible nuclear power and has taken the necessary legal steps to ensure non-proliferation of N-technology. It also addresses the UN Security Council resolution 1540 which requires all member states to implement export controls. Though South Block officials insist the timing has nothing to do with the trip, US officials admit the bill will provide legal cover that the US may need to help Delhi in its quest for nuclear energy. The talks will also include India seeking US support for a Security Council seat. Though the US is unlikely to agree to India's demand for veto power, sources say that the US has hinted it may be willing to discuss the issue and support India. | | | | | The US may discuss giving nuclear fuel and reactors and integrating India in global N-regime. | | The US may not agree to India's demand for veto power, but it may support it for Security Council seat. | | Economic ties may get a boost with a high-level meet later this month and a new CEO forum. | | Besides pitching for a multi-role fighter deal, the US may unveil a long-term defence partnership. | | Manmohan's focus on economic diplomacy will also figure prominently, as the two sides revitalise the dialogue with the meeting between the two interlocutors, Planning Commission Deputy Chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia and his US counterpart Allan Hubbard, later this month. While an Indo-US ceo forum is being launched to identify bottlenecks in economic cooperation, India will also actively seek US private sector participation in managing airports, terminals and shipping berths. Says Sunil Khilnani, director of South Asia studies, Johns Hopkins University: "In the US there is a great interest in pushing business relationships with India, but they want more reassuring signals. What Manmohan can do is come with a definite plan to engage the US business." The two sides are expected to discuss contentious issues through separate high-level dialogues on strategic, energy and economic issues. While an Indo-US strategic dialogue will focus on global security issues, Washington is also expected to allow joint isro-nasa launches and isro launches with US components. The other important component of the visit will be defence, where besides pitching for a multi-role fighter deal, the US is expected to unveil a package which will be discussed during Defence Minister Pranab Mukherji's visit that precedes Manmohan's. The summer of 2005 will bring in a mindshift in Washington as it is the first time that a clear message has been sent from the top that the US interest lies in realising India's rise as a global power and its geopolitical significance. Now the challenge will be for both sides to seize the opportunity to sew a partnership of equals.
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