[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
[July 18, 2005]
[Pages 1236-1238]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]
Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh of India
July 18, 2005
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Bush today declare their
resolve to transform the relationship between their countries and
establish a global partnership. As leaders of nations committed to the
values of human freedom, democracy and rule of law, the new relationship
between India and the United States will promote stability, democracy,
prosperity and peace throughout the world. It will enhance our ability
to work together to provide global leadership in areas of mutual concern
and interest.
Building on their common values and interests, the two leaders
resolve:
To create an international environment conducive to
promotion of democratic values, and to strengthen democratic
practices in societies which wish to become more open and
pluralistic.
To combat terrorism relentlessly. They applaud the active
and vigorous counterterrorism cooperation between the two
countries and support more international efforts in this
direction. Terrorism is a global scourge and the one we will
fight everywhere. The two leaders strongly affirm their
commitment to the conclusion by September of a UN
comprehensive convention against international terrorism.
The Prime Minister's visit coincides with the completion of the Next
Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) initiative, launched in January
2004. The two leaders agree that this provides the basis for expanding
bilateral activities and commerce in space, civil nuclear energy and
dual-use technology.
Drawing on their mutual vision for the U.S.-India relationship, and
our joint objectives as strong long-standing democracies, the two
leaders agree on the following:
For the Economy
Revitalize the U.S.-India Economic Dialogue and launch a CEO
Forum to harness private sector energy and ideas to deepen
the bilateral economic relationship.
Support and accelerate economic growth in both countries
through greater trade, investment, and technology
collaboration.
Promote modernization of India's infrastructure as a
prerequisite for the continued growth of the Indian economy.
As India enhances its investment climate, opportunities for
investment will increase.
Launch a U.S.-India Knowledge Initiative on Agriculture
focused on promoting teaching, research, service and
commercial linkages.
For Energy and the Environment
Strengthen energy security and promote the development of
stable and
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efficient energy markets in India with a view to ensuring
adequate, affordable energy supplies and conscious of the
need for sustainable development. These issues will be
addressed through the U.S.-India Energy Dialogue.
Agree on the need to promote the imperatives of development
and safeguarding the environment, commit to developing and
deploying cleaner, more efficient, affordable, and
diversified energy technologies.
For Democracy and Development
Develop and support, through the new U.S.-India Global
Democracy Initiative in countries that seek such assistance,
institutions and resources that strengthen the foundations
that make democracies credible and effective. India and the
U.S. will work together to strengthen democratic practices
and capacities and contribute to the new U.N. Democracy
Fund.
Commit to strengthen cooperation and combat HIV/AIDs at a
global level through an initiative that mobilizes private
sector and government resources, knowledge, and expertise.
For Non-Proliferation and Security
Express satisfaction at the New Framework for the U.S.-India
Defense Relationship as a basis for future cooperation,
including in the field of defense technology.
Commit to play a leading role in international efforts to
prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
The U.S. welcomed the adoption by India of legislation on
WMD (Prevention of Unlawful Activities Bill).
Launch a new U.S.-India Disaster Relief Initiative that
builds on the experience of the Tsunami Core Group, to
strengthen cooperation to prepare for and conduct disaster
relief operations.
For High-Technology and Space
Sign a Science and Technology Framework Agreement, building
on the U.S.-India High-Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG),
to provide for joint research and training, and the
establishment of public-private partnerships.
Build closer ties in space exploration, satellite navigation
and launch, and in the commercial space arena through
mechanisms such as the U.S.-India Working Group on Civil
Space Cooperation.
Building on the strengthened nonproliferation commitments
undertaken in the NSSP, to remove certain Indian
organizations from the Department of Commerce's Entity List.
Recognizing the significance of civilian nuclear energy for meeting
growing global energy demands in a cleaner and more efficient manner,
the two leaders discussed India's plans to develop its civilian nuclear
energy program.
President Bush conveyed his appreciation to the Prime Minister over
India's strong commitment to preventing WMD proliferation and stated
that as a responsible state with advanced nuclear technology, India
should acquire the same benefits and advantages as other such states.
The President told the Prime Minister that he will work to achieve full
civil nuclear energy cooperation with India as it realizes its goals of
promoting nuclear power and achieving energy security. The President
would also seek agreement from Congress to adjust U.S. laws and
policies, and the United States will work with friends and allies to
adjust international regimes to enable full civil nuclear energy
cooperation and trade with India, including but not limited to
expeditious consideration of fuel supplies for safeguarded nuclear
reactors at Tarapur. In the meantime, the United States will encourage
its partners to also consider this request expeditiously. India has
expressed its interest in ITER and a willingness to
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contribute. The United States will consult with its partners considering
India's participation. The United States will consult with the other
participants in the Generation IV International Forum with a view toward
India's inclusion.
The Prime Minister conveyed that for his part, India would
reciprocally agree that it would be ready to assume the same
responsibilities and practices and acquire the same benefits and
advantages as other leading countries with advanced nuclear technology,
such as the United States. These responsibilities and practices consist
of identifying and separating civilian and military nuclear facilities
and programs in a phased manner and filing a declaration regarding its
civilians facilities with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA);
taking a decision to place voluntarily its civilian nuclear facilities
under IAEA safeguards; signing and adhering to an Additional Protocol
with respect to civilian nuclear facilities; continuing India's
unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing; working with the United States
for the conclusion of a multilateral Fissile Material Cut Off Treaty;
refraining from transfer of enrichment and reprocessing technologies to
states that do not have them and supporting international efforts to
limit their spread; and ensuring that the necessary steps have been
taken to secure nuclear materials and technology through comprehensive
export control legislation and through harmonization and adherence to
Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Nuclear Suppliers Group
(NSG) guidelines.
The President welcomed the Prime Minister's assurance. The two
leaders agreed to establish a working group to undertake on a phased
basis in the months ahead the necessary actions mentioned above to
fulfill these commitments. The President and Prime Minister also agreed
that they would review this progress when the President visits India in
2006.
The two leaders also reiterated their commitment that their
countries would play a leading role in international efforts to prevent
the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear,
chemical, biological and radiological weapons.
In light of this closer relationship, and the recognition of India's
growing role in enhancing regional and global security, the Prime
Minister and the President agree that international institutions must
fully reflect changes in the global scenario that have taken place since
1945. The President reiterated his view that international institutions
are going to have to adapt to reflect India's central and growing role.
The two leaders state their expectations that India and the United
States will strengthen their cooperation in global forums.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thanks President Bush for the warmth
of his reception and the generosity of his hospitality. He extends an
invitation to President Bush to visit India at his convenience and the
President accepts that invitation.
Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
this joint statement.