India, US chart future course of strategic partnership

`Chalein Saath Saath' (lets move forward together), India and the US declared as the leaders of two great democratic nations with diverse traditions and faiths shared their vision for a partnership in which the United States and India work together, not just for the benefit of both the nations, but for the benefit of the world.

''We have vastly different histories, but both our founders sought to guarantee freedoms that allow our citizens to determine their own destiny and pursue their personal aspirations. Our strategic partnership rests on our shared mission to provide equal opportunity for our people through democracy and freedom,'' the two said in a joint vision statement.

The vision statement said the kinship between the two countries goes beyond the currents of commerce, scholarship and science that tie the two countries together. It is this kinship that allows the two to rise above differences by maintaining the long-term perspective.

''Every day, in myriad ways, our cooperation fortifies a relationship that matches the innumerable ties between our peoples, who have produced works of art and music, invented cutting-edge technology, and responded to crises across the globe.''

''Our strategic partnership is a joint endeavour for prosperity and peace. Through intense consultations, joint exercises, and shared technology, our security cooperation will make the region and the world safe and secure. Together, we will combat terrorist threats and keep our homelands and citizens safe from attacks, while we respond expeditiously to humanitarian disasters and crises. We will prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and remain committed to reducing the salience of nuclear weapons, while promoting universal, verifiable, and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.

''We will support an open and inclusive rules-based global order, in which India assumes greater multilateral responsibility, including in a reformed United Nations Security Council. At the United Nations and beyond, our close coordination will lead to a more secure and just world.''

The two countries also vowed to work together to mitigate the impact of climate change that threatens both countries, and adapt technology that suits the changing environment, by addressing the consequences of unchecked pollution through cooperation at government and at scientific and academic community levels.

While the two agreed to partner in ensuring that both countries have affordable, clean, reliable, and diverse sources of energy, the vision statement made a specific commitment that India will opt for American-origin nuclear power technologies, meaning imports of nuclear power plants and equipment from the US.

Although US was behind India's exclusion from nuclear trade controls, the country has not benefited from that in commercial dividends.

The vision statement seeks to ensure that economic growth in both countries brings better livelihoods and welfare for the people of both countries, exchange skills and knowledge that would propel both countries forward and ensure that even the poorest will share in the opportunities.

Besides, the two will engage in joint research and collaboration in every aspect - ranging from particles of creation to outer space - will produce boundless innovation and high technology collaboration that changes lives; open markets and allow trade in goods and services to flourish through fair and transparent practices.

''Our people will be healthier as we jointly counter infectious diseases, eliminate maternal and child deaths, and work to eradicate poverty for all. And they will be safer as we ensure the fullest empowerment of women in a secure environment.''

''Together we seek a reliable and enduring friendship that bolsters security and stability, contributes to the global economy, and advances peace and prosperity for our citizens and throughout the world.''

''We have a vision that the United States and India will have a transformative relationship as trusted partners in the 21st century. Our partnership will be a model for the rest of the world,'' it added.