US vice-president Joe Biden, who was in Mumbai on Wednesday, described India as a “rising power” and said that the US was a stakeholder in its “vibrant” economy.
Mr Biden also pitched enhanced relations in terms of bilateral trade and strategic and economic partnerships. He was speaking on the sidelines of the “US-India Partnerships” at the Bombay Stock Exchange in Mumbai.
Speaking about the country’s rise since 1991, Mr Biden said that India took a “bold step” to open up its economy to the world. “In 1991, there were five million telephone lines in India against the 900 million today. The bilateral trade between the two countries also reached $100 billion in the last 13 years. Liberalisation has also helped India boost its exports from $20 billion to $300 billion. Imagine what the two countries can achieve together,” he said.
Recognising the contribution of Indian immigrants, he said the US has benefited greatly from Indian human capital. Suggesting increased cooperation in civil nuclear energy, he said a 6,000 MW power plant could be set up in Gujarat using American nuclear reactors. “There is dialogue ranging from strategic and military partnerships to higher education. Military relations are also being worked upon, but without compromising the sovereignty and independence of either of the nations. India currently bought C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, which are being used to save the lives of flood victims in Uttarakhand,” he added.
Regarding global terrorism, he said that both the nations have shared intelligence and other information to prevent terror attacks.
“We have had our 9/11, while India has had its 26/11,” he said.
About Pakistan, he said that Indo-US relations would not be defined by the status and nature of India’s relations with Pakistan.
“In Afghanistan too, we have always been committed to a Afghan-led and Afghan-ruled government,” he said.
Referring to China, he said the US relationship with the oriental nation has always been complex. “Some call it the second Cold War,” he said.
Mr Biden also added that a strong and powerful India is central to ensure a stable South Asia.