India, U.S. release 'declaration of friendship' to strengthen bilateral relations

India and the United States on Sunday released a 'declaration of friendship' which outlines the areas that the two countries will focus on to forge a long-standing strategic partnership.

The declaration is aimed at strengthening and expanding the relationship between India and U.S.

The declaration states that India and US have agreed to elevate their long-standing strategic partnership and that each step being taken to strengthen the ties is a step towards shaping international security and regional and global peace.

In the declaration, both the countries have agreed to provide equal opportunity to their respective citizens through democracy, effective governance, and fundamental freedoms. They have also stressed on the importance of the strengthened bilateral and defence ties and on the importance of adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change through national, bilateral and multilateral efforts.

Emphasis on inclusive development, economic policies, trade and investment has also been given in the declaration.

The two nations have agreed to hold regular summits with increased periodicity, to elevate the Strategic Dialogue to a Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, to strengthen commercial and economic ties and to build meaningful security and effective counterterrorism cooperation.

The two countries have also agreed to establish secure hotlines between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the United States of America and National Security Advisors.