Foreign Secretary concludes visit to the United States on February 5, 2003

February 5, 2003
Washington D.C.

 India’s Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, concluded his three-day visit to Washington DC today, after meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary Richard Armitage in the morning and Deputy National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley later in the afternoon. On 3rd and 4th February, he had extensive discussions with Marc Grossman, Under Secretary for Political Affairs in the State Department; Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary for Global Affairs (also in the State Department); Douglas Feith, Under Secretary of Defence at the Pentagon; and, Kenneth Juster, Under Secretary for Commerce. The Foreign Secretary met senators and congressmen at Capitol Hill; addressed the Carnegie Endowment on “The India-US Partnership: Emerging Security Challenges”; and answered questions at a Press Conference in the Indian Embassy.

India and the United States reached agreement on principles governing high technology commerce including trade in dual-use technology between the two countries, reflecting their new relationship and common strategic interests. The two sides agreed to take steps to promote and facilitate such trade by addressing systemic barriers; generating market awareness; undertaking promotional activities; conducting industry outreach programs; reviewing policies and processes on export of dual use goods and technologies to India; and, pursuing export control cooperation.

Foreign Secretary’s visit constitutes an important milestone in the wide-ranging and intense dialogue between India and the United States at the highest official level. The interface was marked by cordiality and candor and reflected the desire of the two sides to consolidate and expand the relationship.

For more information, contact:
Sunil Lal, Counsellor (Press & Information) at (202) 939-7042