India, US to resolve N-deal problems in two weeks: PM

‘There are no insurmountable problems in sorting out the deal’.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said India and the US had agreed on “early and full implementation” of the civil nuclear cooperation agreement and the problems on the deal may be resolved within two weeks.

“There are no insurmountable problems in sorting out the deal,” Singh told reporters here.

“I have been assured by the US leaders that America remains committed to the early implementation of civil nuclear deal. There are minor problems regarding reprocessing of fuel in the 123 agreement,” he said a day after he held wide-ranging talks with US President Barack Obama.

In his opening statement at the press meet, he described his four-day trip, the first state visit of Obama Administration, as “very productive”.

“Based on my discussions with President Obama and other American leaders, I am confident that we can not only continue but also strengthen the momentum of our relations built up in the last few years,” he said.

“We agreed on the early and full implementation of our civil nuclear cooperation agreement. This paves the way for transfers of high technology items to India,” Singh said.

The Prime Minister said President Obama recognised the important role India-US relations could play in meeting the global challenges of the 21st century.

“We agreed that there is a historic opportunity for India and the US to work together for world peace and stability on the basis of our shared values, consensus and cooperation,” he said.

The two sides discussed several ideas on how they can work together to accelerate global economic recovery and put it on a more sustainable and balanced path in the future, the 77-year-old Indian leader said.

He said Obama was very conscious and aware of the threats both the countries face from terrorism, and the need for them to work together to combat it.

“We have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism. He told me that the US highly values India's role in the reconstruction and development of Afghanistan. We had similar views on establishing peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific,” Singh said.

On climate change, the two countries agreed to work to ensure a “balanced outcome” at Copenhagen summit in December.

“We welcome President Obama's strong commitment to ensuring a comprehensive and balanced outcome at the climate change meeting in Copenhagen. We have agreed to work together bilaterally and with all other countries to ensure this outcome,” Singh said.

“I leave with a sense of confidence that my visit has deepened mutual understanding between India and the United States, and set new directions for our strategic partnership in a way that will advance our national interests.”