India - U.S. Declare Friendship

President Obama and First Lady Michelle visit India "reflecting close ties between our two great democracies."

From the White House:

“Chalein saath saath; forward together we go.” Reflecting the close ties between our two great democracies, India and the United States agree to elevate our long-standing strategic partnership, with a Declaration of Friendship that strengthens and expands the relationship between our two countries.

Photo:  Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

“Sanjha Prayaas, SabkaVikaas; Shared Effort, Progress For All.” Each step we take to strengthen the relationship is a step towards shaping international security, regional and global peace, prosperity and stability for years to come.

Signaling the natural affinity enjoyed by our two nations, this Declaration proclaims a higher level  of trust and coordination that will continue to draw our Governments and people together across the spectrum of human endeavor for a better world.

The India-U.S. Vision Statement endorsed in September 2014 committed our nations to a long-term partnership for prosperity and peace, through which our countries work together to make our citizens and the global community, safer and more prosperous. 

The Declaration makes tangible and enduring the commitment of our two countries to harness the inherent potential of our two democracies, and upgrades the unique nature of our relationship, committing our Governments to work through areas of difference.

President Obama:

"Today, we achieved a breakthrough understanding on two issues that were holding up our ability to advance our civil nuclear cooperation, and we’re committed to moving towards full implementation.  And this is an important step that shows how we can work together to elevate our relationship.  We also, as the Prime Minister noted, agreed to resume discussions about a possible bilateral investment treaty.  And we will continue to pursue export reforms so that we can advance more high-tech collaborations with India." 

Through this Declaration of Friendship and in keeping with our national principles and laws, we respect:

·         Equal opportunity for all our people through democracy, effective governance, and fundamental freedoms;

·         An open, just, sustainable, and inclusive rule-based global order;

·         The importance of strengthened bilateral defense ties;

·         The importance of adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change through national, bilateral and multilateral efforts;

·         The beneficial impact that sustainable, inclusive development will have on our two countries and the world;

·         The centrality of economic policies that support the creation of strong and sustainable jobs, inclusive development, and rising incomes; and

·         Transparent and rule-based markets that seek to drive the trade and investment necessary to uplift all members of society and promote economic development. 

As part of this Declaration of Friendship, we commit to:

·         Hold regular Summits with increased periodicity;

·         Elevate the Strategic Dialogue to a Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, of which the Strategic elements would continue to be chaired by the External Affairs Minister of India and the U.S. Secretary of State and the Commercial components of the Dialogue would be led by India’s Minister of Trade and Commerce and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.  This reflects the United States’ and India’s commitment to strengthen commercial and economic ties to advance mutual prosperity, regional economic growth and stability;

·         Establish secure hotlines between the Prime Minister of India and the President of the United States of America and National Security Advisors;

·         Cooperate to develop joint ventures on strategically significant projects;

·         Build meaningful security and effective counterterrorism cooperation;

·         Hold regional and multilateral consultations;

·         Consult and hold regular consultations in multilateral forums; and

·         Leverage the talents and strengths of our people to enhance sustainable, inclusive development around the globe.

Said India's Prime Minister Modi, "The promise and potential of this relationship had never been in doubt.  This is a natural global partnership.  It has become even more relevant in the digital age.  It is needed even more in our world for far-reaching changes and widespread turmoil.  The success of this partnership is important for our progress and for advancing peace, stability and prosperity around the world."