In an effort to strengthen American-India economic ties, U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner met with top officials in New Delhi on Tuesday. The two sides agreed cooperation was vital to ensure global financial stability and launched an economic partnership to unlock investment opportunities.
Geithner and Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee kicked off a new economic alliance intended to achieve a step-change in commercial ties that are often eclipsed by U.S. trade with China.
"Our economic relationship presents huge opportunities for both India and the United States" with the "beginnings of global recovery" from the worst post-war downturn, Geithner told reporters.
"We meet at a time of encouraging prospects for the US and Indian economies," added Geithner, who held talks with Mukherjee and Premier Manmohan Singh and praised India for navigating the global crisis "with a steady hand."
The U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership is part of a U.S. drive to widen its alliance with India, the world's most populous democracy and viewed as a vital U.S. partner in one of the most volatile corners of the world.
"Our ability to cooperate on economic and financial issues will be critically important to the success of global efforts" to create a more stable global financial system, Geithner added.
Geithner regards Indian support among members of the policy-setting Group of 20 nations as crucial for controlling global financial risks.
Geithner sidestepped questions about U.S. efforts to get China to strengthen the yuan in the face of demands by Congress to brand China a "currency manipulator" and pave the way for a more even global recovery.
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