2007 India Press Releases

VISIT OF SENIOR INDIAN OFFICIALS: STATEMENT BY SEAN MCCORMACK, SPOKESMAN

July 17, 2007

The United States looks forward to welcoming Indian National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan, Department of Atomic Energy Chairman Anil Kakodkar, and Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon to Washington July 16-19, 2007.

On July 17, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns will host the Indian delegation for meetings and a dinner to discuss the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative, including the bilateral agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation, also known as the 123 agreement.

Indian officials will also participate in meetings with U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley at the White House.

The United States stands ready to resolve the remaining outstanding issues on the 123 agreement. The United States understands the importance of the Agreement to our relationship and the benefits it will bring to both nations.   We are confident that with continued hard work, flexibility, and good spirit, we will reach a final agreement.

In addition, Under Secretary Burns and Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher will hold discussions with the Indian delegation regarding our broader bilateral relationship, and ways to work together to bring stability to the South Asia region.

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