India, US sign defence pact; plan strategic dialogue

India today signed three agreements with the United States, including a strategically important defence pact. The two countries also announced the beginning of strategic dialogue.
 
The two countries have also agreed to cooperate in space exploration

Visiting US secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Indian external affairs minister S M Krishan signed the agreements at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

The defence pact allows end-user monitoring and is expected to pave the way for increased defence deals with the US.  This, however, is seen as India yielding to US pressure.

The Indian government has also approved two sites for setting up nuclear parks by US companies. India also seems to have aligned itself with the US views on Iran's nuclear programme.

Clinton said both India and US do not want Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

"These parks will advance the aims of the US India civil nuclear agreement facilitating billions of dollars in US reactor exports and create jobs in both countries, as well as generate much needed energy for the Indian people," she said.

Clinton also "affirmed the Obama administration's strong commitment to completing all the remaining elements of our civil nuclear deal".

Clinton and Krishna will also chair a strategic dialogue between the countries.