[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 3 (Monday, January 19, 2004)]
[Page 61]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership With India

January 12, 2004

    In November 2001, Prime Minister Vajpayee and I committed our 
countries to a strategic partnership. Since then, our two countries have 
strengthened bilateral cooperation significantly in several areas. Today 
we announce the next steps in implementing our shared vision.
    The United States and India agree to expand cooperation in three 
specific areas: civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs, 
and high-technology trade. In addition, we agree to expand our dialog on 
missile defense. Cooperation in these areas will deepen the ties of 
commerce and friendship between our two nations and will increase 
stability in Asia and beyond.
    The proposed cooperation will progress through a series of 
reciprocal steps that will build on each other. It will include expanded 
engagement on nuclear regulatory and safety issues and missile defense, 
ways to enhance cooperation in peaceful uses of space technology, and 
steps to create the appropriate environment for successful high-
technology commerce. In order to combat the proliferation of weapons of 
mass destruction, relevant laws, regulations, and procedures will be 
strengthened, and measures to increase bilateral and international 
cooperation in this area will be employed. These cooperative efforts 
will be undertaken in accordance with our respective national laws and 
international obligations.
    The expanded cooperation launched today is an important milestone in 
transforming the relationship between the United States and India. That 
relationship is based increasingly on common values and common 
interests. We are working together to promote global peace and 
prosperity. We are partners in the war on terrorism, and we are partners 
in controlling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the 
means to deliver them.
    The vision of U.S.-India strategic partnership that Prime Minister 
Vajpayee and I share is now becoming a reality.