India, US to work for nuclear non-proliferation

India and the United States have envisioned a nuclear weapon-free world and will lead global efforts for non-proliferation and universal and non-discriminatory global nuclear disarmament, prime minister Manmohan Singh said at a joint press conference with US president Barrack Obama.

"This is a historic and bold bilateral initiative. We have also decided to strengthen cooperation to tackle nuclear terrorism," the prime minister said.

The US will also participate in the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership project, proposed to be set up in India.

He said the two countries have a shared vision of the world and their partnership is based on common values and interests and the deep-rooted ties of friendship between the two peoples. 

"President Obama yesterday characterised the India-US partnership as one of the defining and indispensable partnerships of the 21st century.

In my discussions with the President, we have decided to accelerate the deepening of our ties and to work as equal partners in a strategic relationship that will positively and decisively influence world peace, stability and progress," Manmohan said.