Indo-US relationship 'inevitable': Krishna

Washington, Jun.5 (ANI): Describing the relationship between India and the United States as 'inevitable', External Affairs Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna has said both countries would continue to co-operate in countering terrorism, a menace that has gravely affected the entire world.

Talking to reporters after the conclusion of the first ever-strategic dialogue with the US here, Krishna said that there are various common issues facing both countries, so the partnership between New Delhi and Washington has become 'inevitable'.

"I think it has been one of the strategically very important for both the countries and also the commonalities that we see between India and United States. I think there is so much of convergence; naturally I think the partnership becomes indispensable that is the inevitable outcome of our relationship," Krishna said after talks with US Secretary of States Hillary Clinton.

Responding to a question regarding President Barack Obama's likely visit to India in November, Krishna said the whole of India is eagerly waiting to welcome Obama and his family in the country.

"Indeed, not only me but the whole country is looking forward to President Obama's visit. We know President Obama and there are hundred and thousands of Indians who have been following the rise of Obama in the global arena since the days of when he was a freshman Senator," he said.

Earlier, during the strategic talks both Clinton and Krishna repeated their intentions to fully implement the landmark 2008 Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Accord, which ended India's atomic isolation following its 1974 nuclear test, and could mean billions of dollars in business for US nuclear power companies.

US officials said this week's meeting was primarily aimed at launching the consultative process, and that no big announcements would likely be made before Obama's trip to India. (ANI)