Narendra Modi in US: President Barack Obama backed India's bid for membership of the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) amid a major push to the strategic ties between the two countries which finalised a "roadmap" to give India the status of US' close partner in the defence sector. Obama, who held over hour-long talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here, also promised to cooperate with India against terrorist threats from groups such as Pakistan-based Jaish-e Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba as well as 'D' Company, a reference to underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. (PTI) 
Narendra Modi in US: "In this context, they (the two leaders) directed their officials to identify specific new areas of collaboration at the next meeting of U.S.–India Counterterrorism Joint Working Group," said a Joint Statement issued after the talks. Significantly, the American side also committed itself to treating Pathankot attack at par with 26/11 terror strike in terms of ensuring punishment to perpetrators based in Pakistan. The two countries also decided to start work on construction of six American nuclear reactors in India amid affirmation that the Liability issue has been addressed. (PTI) -
Narendra Modi in US: Six pacts, including one on exchange of screening of terror information, besides two other documents were signed after the talks that mainly covered issues like terrorism, clean energy, climate change, defence, regional security, cyber security, economic ties and people-to-people contacts. Addressing the media jointly with Modi at his Oval office, Obama said it was natural for India and the US, two biggest democracies, to "deepen and broaden" partnership. (PTI)
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Narendra Modi in US: Progress made in the Civil Nuclear agreement was among the issues discussed, Obama said. "I indicated support to India being a part of NSG," the US President said in remarks which assume significance since China is opposing such a move. Obama underlined that India needs technology, which is critical for its progress and prosperity. The 50-point Joint Statement said, "President Obama welcomed India's application to join the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and re-affirmed that India is ready for membership. The United States called on NSG Participating Governments to support India's application when it comes up at the NSG Plenary later this month. (PTI)
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Narendra Modi in US: "The United States also re-affirmed its support for India's early membership of the Australia Group and Wassenaar Arrangement." Modi later said, "I am ever thankful for the help and support that my friend President Obama has extended with regard to membership in MTCR and NSG." Seeking to boost the strategic ties, India and the US finalised the text of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). (PTI)
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Narendra Modi in US: "Noting that the US-India defense relationship can be an anchor of stability, and given the increasingly strengthened cooperation in defense, the United States hereby recognizes India as a Major Defense Partner," the Joint Statement said. "The United States will continue to work toward facilitating technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners," it said. Briefing the media, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the two sides finalised a "roadmap" under which India can have "better" and "licence-free" access to America's defence and dual-use technology. (PTI)
Narendra Modi in US: The framework will also ensure that the relationship goes beyond that of sale and collaboration and encompasses the 'Make in India' initiative, whereby defense equipment could be manufactured in India through transfer of technology, he said. "The leaders reached an understanding under which India would receive license-free access to a wide range of dual-use technologies in conjunction with steps that India has committed to take to advance its export control objectives. (PTI) 
Narendra Modi in US: "In support of India's 'Make In India' initiative, and to support the development of robust defense industries and their integration into the global supply chain, the United States will continue to facilitate the export of goods and technologies, consistent with U.S. law, for projects, programs and joint ventures in support of official U.S.-India defense cooperation," the statement said. According to the statement, the US committed to enhance cooperation in support of India's 'Make in India' Initiative and expand the co-production and co-development of technologies under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). "They welcomed the establishment of new DTTI working groups to include agreed items covering Naval Systems, Air Systems, and other Weapons Systems," it said. The leaders announced the finalization of the text of an Information Exchange Annex under the Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation. (PTI) 
Narendra Modi in US: Obama also said that he looks forward to India's entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). "Recalling their shared commitment to preventing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, the leaders looked forward to India’s imminent entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime," said the Joint Statement titled 'The United States and India: Enduring Global Partners in the 21st Century'. The United States and India will work together to combat the threat of terrorists accessing and using chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological materials, it said. During the meeting, Modi offered to host a Summit on Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism in 2018, which was welcomed by Obama. (PTI) 
Narendra Modi in US: They also discussed the steps that the two governments have taken in the last two years in the implemenation of the Civil Nuclear deal, including by addressing the liability issue, "inter alia, through India's ratification of the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage". (PTI)
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