Capitol hill, Residential neighborhood in Washington, D.C., United States

Pompeo will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday to discuss agenda for the US-India strategic partnership.He will also deliver a speech on the future of the relationship and opportunities for cooperation on global issues of shared concern.As vibrant democracies rooted in shared values, with fast-growing economies, cultures of entrepreneurship, and leadership positions on the global stage, the United States and India are natural strategic partners, a statement issued by the US Department of State said.US President Donald Trump and Modi are firmly committed to accelerating the upward trajectory of this partnership. Modi's sweeping mandate in the recent elections creates a unique opportunity to realise this vision, it said.The statement further said: "The US and India are moving quickly to achieve our shared vision for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region by expanding cooperation in areas such as energy, aviation, and space"."We have elevated the level of strategic interaction between our two countries, most notably through the annual 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue that pairs the Secretaries of State and Defense with their Indian counterparts."The first 2+2 was held in September 2018 and culminated in the announcement of a new tri-service exercise and the signing of a secure communications agreement that will enable India to operationalize its status as a Major Defense Partner," it said.We anticipate holding the next 2+2 in late 2019 in Washington, it further added.The United States granted India Strategic Trade Authorization tier 1 status last year, allowing India to enjoy the same licence-free access to certain defence articles as NATO allies, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. This status also creates greater supply chain efficiency and supports US industry and investment.Secretary Pompeo's visit marks the third visit to India by a Secretary of State during the Trump Administration.The United States is India's most important trading partner. As India's number one overseas market, the United States purchases close to one-fifth of India's exports. India is also the fastest growing major market for US goods, the statement said.Two-way bilateral goods and services trade with India totaled $142 billion in 2018, up 12.6 per cent, or almost $16 billion, over the prior year.US defence sales to India are estimated to reach approximately $18 billion by 2019 from near zero in 2008, boosting India's national security capabilities and increasing employment in both countries.( With inputs from IANS )

Capitol HillFOLLOW

Capitol hill, Latest News

Striking an optimistic note, the United States and China on Saturday decided to hold talks to reach a truce amidst the ongoing trade conflict between the two countries, saying dialogue is better than friction and confrontation. ...

A day after urging India to withdraw the "unacceptable" tariff imposed on American goods, United States President Donald Trump on Friday maintained a soft stance and agreed to resolve trade issues through talks in his meeting with Prime Minister Nare ...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a trilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday in Osaka, Japan, on the sidelines of 14th G20 Summit. ...

The US economy grew at an annualised rate of 3.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2019, the government said Thursday in its third and final reading on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the period. ...

American pop singer-songwriter Madonna took a musical take on gun violence in the 'God Control' video from her latest album 'Madame X'. ...

In a significant statement, visiting United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said on Wednesday that people should stand up in defence of religious freedom for all and if there was a compromise on it, the world is worse off. ...

United States appreciates India efforts to move away from purchasing Iran and Venezuelan oil imports and will do everything to ensure that it has adequate crude supplies, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said on Wednesday. ...

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived New Delhi on Tuesday night on his three-day visit to the country to strengthen strategic ties between the two nations. ...