(REOPENS DEL 35)

In yesterday’s meeting, the US pledged support for Indiato take a leading role in multilateral fora for strengtheningglobal peace and stability. On energy cooperation, the two sides announced theirintent to expand the work under the US-India Clean EnergyFinance Task Force to include new clean energy financeinitiatives for joint collaboration. The US affirmed its support for pursuing its membershipof the International Solar Alliance (ISA), an initiative byIndia. "The sides noted the progress made in bilateral civilnuclear cooperation and applauded continued engagement betweenWestinghouse and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltdtoward finalising the contractual arrangements by June 2017 tobuild six AP 1000 reactors that will provide clean, reliableenergy to millions of people in India," said the statement. The two countries reiterated their resolve to worktogether and with others to promote full implementation of theParis Agreement to address the urgent threats posed by climatechange. The US side said it will join the Paris Agreement assoon as possible this year. "India has similarly begun its processes to work towardsthis shared objective," said the statement. On trade front, the two countries, recognizing theimportance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to spurgrowth and create jobs, expressed commitment to create aplatform for sharing of best practices and technology. The joint statement noted India’s ease of doing businessinitiatives, such as the passage of the bill on Goods andServices Tax, the launch of a single-window clearance systemby the Customs authorities, establishment of commercial courtsand enactment of a new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. "The sides resolved to continue to exchange informationand discuss best practices on trade facilitation, licensingand permitting, insolvency, public procurement, transparencyand other relevant topics," it said. The two countries appreciated the ongoing cooperation onSmart Cities between Indian and US government agencies. Recognizing the success of the ongoing smart citycollaboration in Visakhapatnam, they resolved to launch afollow-on phase that will deliver an integrated master plan. Referring to health sector, the joint statement saiddiscussions are underway to initiate programmes on vaccinesfor TB, dengue, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) withpublic-private partnerships mode under the US-India VaccineAction Programme. PTI MPBRT