Visits by US officials to reinforce bilateral ties

New Delhi, Nov 9: Beginning tomorrow, India and the United States will hold discussions on enhancing cooperation in a wide variety of areas including energy, counter-terrorism and law enforcement, civil avitation and Defence during the coming month.

The US will also sign an MOA with the Civil Aviation Ministry on November 14 to expand US-India cooperation in this area and build on an Open Skies agreement.

A host of State Department officials are scheduled to visit India this month, reflecting the strong commitment by the US to expand multi-lateral cooperation with India.

Announcing the visits at a press conference here today, US Ambassador David C Mulford said Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Richard A. Boucher, will arrive here later tonight for discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations.

He will also discuss regional and international situation.

Asserting that there was widespread support to Indo-US relations, Mr Mulford said ''it is a comprehensive relationship which is going full blast.'' Mr Boucher, who leaves from here for a tour of neighbouring countries, will be back in India on November 17 to participate in the Second Regional Economic Conference on Afghanistan.

Mr Boucher will be leading the US deleigation at the two-day deliberations on November 18-19.

Also, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Marion C Blakely will visit India on November 13-14. Ms Blakely will sign an MOA with the Civil Aviation Ministry to expand US-India cooperation in this area and build on an Open Skies agreement.

Under Secretary of Defence Eric C Edelman will be here on November 16 heading a Defence delegation to the Defence Policy Group which will meet on November 16.

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will be here from November 19-21 to discuss trade and agriculture issues and build cooperation in this area.

Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), John S Pistole, will visit India from November 25-27.

''The visit at the end of November highlights our growing cooperation in law enforcement and counter terrorism,'' the Ambassador said.

Deputy USTR, Karan K Bhatia, will be here from November 26-28.

His visit includes participation in the World Economic Forum and a meeting of the US-India Trade Policy Forum.

Under Secretary of Commerce, Franklin L Lavin, and the US Trade Mission will also be here on a week-long visit from November 29 to December six.

This will be the largest bilateral trade mission ever. It will begin in Mumbai and then send US companies to cities across India to explore business opportunities.

Julie L Gerberding, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director, will also be here for a week from December 19-25.

''Her visit will reinforce our cooperation in fighting disease,'' according to Mr Mulford.

UNI