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Monday, Mar 24, 2008
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Pranab for U.S. to review ties

Sandeep Dikshit

— PHOTO: PTI

discussing agenda: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee interacting with Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon while travelling to New York on his maiden visit to the U.S.

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee left for the United States on Sunday to review bilateral ties ahead of the end of the terms of the government there and here.

“During his visit he will meet his U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, for discussions that will include a review of all aspects of the bilateral relationship,” a Ministry of External Affairs statement said.

Mr. Mukherjee last visited the U.S. as Defence Minister and inked a defence framework agreement aimed at further intensifying the military ties between both countries.

During that period, he also approved the sale of warship USS Trenton, which later turned out to have a number of strings attached to its sale, including a bar on offensive operations.

Mr. Mukherjee’s visit comes at a time when Washington is impressing upon New Delhi to complete the processes involved with the civilian nuclear deal.

Senior U.S. officials, including Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, had recently indicated the milestones India has to cross for a more intimate relationship with the U.S.

These include agreements to ensure high technology commerce and military refuelling facilities.

U.S. President George Bush is expected to “drop in” while Mr. Mukherjee is in talks with National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley on Monday at the White House.

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