India-US to work as equal partners in a strategic relationship

New Delhi, Nov 8 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday said India and the United States have decided to accelerate the deepening of ties and to work as equal partners in a strategic relationship that will positively and decisively influence world peace, stability and progress.

"President Obama yesterday characterized the India-US partnership as one of the defining and indispensable partnerships of the 21st century. In my discussions with the President, we have decided to accelerate the deepening of our ties and to work as equal partners in a strategic relationship that will positively and decisively influence world peace, stability and progress," said Dr Manmohan Singh in his opening remarks at the joint Press Conference with U.S. President Barack Obama here today.

Dr Manmohan Singh said both India and the United States have a shared vision of security, stability and prosperity in Asia based on an open and inclusive regional architecture.

"We had a detailed exchange on the situation in our extended region, including East Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and West Asia. We have a shared vision of security, stability and prosperity in Asia based on an open and inclusive regional architecture. We have agreed to broaden our strategic dialogue to cover other regions and areas, and initiate joint projects in Africa and Afghanistan," said Dr Singh.

US President Barack Obama had on Sunday said the partnership between India and the United States is indispensable in the 21st century, adding that the two nations share same values and interests.

"India and the US share common values of belief, dignity, self determination. The two nations have great potential to improve.

India not a rising power, but has already risen," said President Obama. (ANI)