U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca was in New Delhi for a meeting with a group tasked with implementing the Next Step in Strategic Partnership, aimed at cooperation on civilian nuclear technology, space, high-tech commerce and missile defense.
Following her meeting with S. Jaishankar, joint secretary of the External Affairs Ministry, and other officials, Rocca told reporters that a framework had been decided upon for the second phase of the NSSP project, the Daily Times reported Friday.
"We have moved forward to a phase where many of the barriers that had separated us have come down," the Times quoted Rocca as saying, adding that the dialogue marked an "important policy shift" for both countries.
The talks followed Washington's decision last month to lift sanctions on nuclear exports imposed on Indian organizations in 1998 after New Delhi conducted nuclear tests.
The United States also said it would ease export licensing policies to expand bilateral cooperation in commercial space programs.
Copyright 2004 by United Press International
