PM describes U.S. as important strategic partner in development program

Dr. Singh, who will hold talks with President Obama in Washington today, said: "The United States is one of India's most important trading partners, important provider of investment and technology support for India's development and we need the United States on our side as we move to give new added thrust to our development programs.

PM Manmohan Singh with US President Barack Obama in New Delhi. Pic: Rajeev Tyagi

"And, during the present visit, we will review the progress that has been made and also what further can be done to give added meaning and content to this partnership," he added.

The Prime Minister further said during his meeting with Obama, both sides would also review the international situation. "We will also review the international situation particularly with reference to international economic situation and other important areas like South East Asia, Middle East and West Asia," he added.

Counter terrorism, civil nuclear cooperation, trade and investment are likely to figure during their talks at the Oval Office in the White House.

Briefing media persons here, India's Ambassador to the United States, Nirupama Rao, said, the issue of counter terrorism is very high on the Prime Minister''s interaction with President Obama.

She said the U.S. is well aware of India's concerns about activities of the Lashkar-e-Toiba and its founder Hafiz Saeed which should be perceived as a global terror combine.

The Prime Minister arrived in Washington last night on a five-day visit to the United States to meet President Obama and to attend the 68th session of the UN General Assembly.

U.S. Deputy Chief of Protocol Rosemarie Paul and Ambassador Nirupama Rao received him at the airport.