Wednesday, February 15 2006 10:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Reflecting the transformation in Indo-US ties, upgradation of economic bilateral relations and the nuclear deal are expected to dominate President George W Bush's discussions with Indian leaders during his historic visit to India beginning on March one.

"This visit is not about the nuclear deal. It is really about strengthening economic cooperation," official sources said today (Feb 15,2006).

Leading a high-power delegation, 59-year-old Bush, accompanied by First Lady Laura Bush, will arrive here late on March one.

He will meet President A P J Abdul Kalam the next day and hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the entire gamut of bilateral ties besides exchanging views on key international issues.

During Singh's visit to Washington in July last year, the two leaders had declared their resolve to transform the relationship between the two countries and establish a global partnership.

This will be taken forward during the parleys here with both sides keen to further consolidate the new relationship to promote stability, democracy, prosperity and peace throughout the world.

While Bush's programme is being fine-tuned, he is expected to visit the cyber city Hyderabad on March three and go to the Knowledge Park and address the Agriculture University.

On whether an agreement will be firmed up for implementing the July 18 Joint Statement regarding civil nuclear energy cooperation, the sources pointed out that Bush and Singh had agreed last year that they would review progress on this front when the US President travels to India.

Bush had then stated that as a responsible state with advanced nuclear technology, India should acquire the same benefits and advantages as other such countries.

The US leader had said he would work to achieve full civil nuclear energy cooperation with India as it realizes its goals of promoting nuclear power and achieving energy security.

During the talks here, the American side is expected to brief New Delhi on its discussions with the US Congress to adjust US laws and policies as also its consultations with allies and friends in Nuclear Suppliers Group to change international nuclear regimes to enable full civil nuclear energy cooperation and trade with India.

Under the Joint Statement, the US had said it would work for expeditious consultations of fuel supplies for safeguarded nuclear reactors at Tarapur.

On his part, the Prime Minister had conveyed that India would be ready to assume the same responsibilities and practices and acquire the same benefits and advantages as other leading countries with advanced nuclear technology.

These consist of separating civilian and military nuclear facilities and programmes in a phased manner and taking a decision to voluntarily place its civilian facilities under IAEA safeguards.