India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called for stronger U.S.-Indian ties, saying the countries are "natural partners" on economic, energy, and security issues.
Addressing a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, Mr. Singh said the two democracies have many shared concerns, including the threat of global terrorism. He said the United States and India must make "common cause" against terrorists, and have an obligation to countries that want to build democratic institutions.
Mr. Singh said India's economic growth is in America's own interest, and called on U.S. companies to help build up India's infrastructure. He pledged that India never has been and never will be a source of proflieration for sensitive technology, and said the country has an "impeccable" record on nuclear non-proliferation.
The speech comes a day after President Bush pledged full cooperation in developing India's civilian nuclear energy program, in return for New Delhi's commitment to open its civilian nuclear sites for U.N. inspections.