Indian PM to visit U.S. on security, trade

The White House announced Tuesday that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit the United States on September 27 to discuss trade and security issues.

Singh is to hold talks with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House during his upcoming visit, which follows his visit to Washington in 2009 and Obama's visit to India in 2010, said U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.

The visit will highlight India's role in regional security and stability, and provide an opportunity for the two leaders to chart a course toward enhanced trade, investment and development cooperation, Hayden said.

The announcement came after U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice held talks with visiting Indian counterpart Shivshankar Menon, during which the two reviewed the U.S.-India strategic partnership and discussed India's continued support for a stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan.

Rice reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to further expanding and strengthening bilateral relationship, including economic and commercial ties with India, Hayden said.

The two also exchanged ideas on enhancing security cooperation, reviewed progress on civil nuclear and clean energy cooperation, and explored greater collaboration on climate change.

Menon also held a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel at the Pentagon on Tuesday in preparation for Singh's September visit.

"Secretary Hagel emphasized the Department of Defense's commitment to continuing progress on defense cooperation including in the areas of trade and regional security," Pentagon spokesman George Little said in a statement.