Following is the text of a Joint Statement issued by the United States and India on September 17, 2004.

The United States and India announced today major progress in the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) initiative. Implementation of the NSSP will lead to significant economic benefits for both countries and improve regional and global security.

In January 2004, the United States and India agreed to expand cooperation in three specific areas: civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs, and high-technology trade. In addition, the two countries agreed to expand our dialogue on missile defense. These areas of cooperation are designed to progress through a series of reciprocal steps that build on each other.

Since January, the two governments have worked closely together to conclude Phase One of the NSSP. This has included implementation of measures to address proliferation concerns and to ensure compliance with U.S. export controls.

These efforts have enabled the United States to make modifications to U.S. export licensing policies that will foster cooperation in commercial space programs and permit certain exports to power plants at safeguarded nuclear facilities. These modifications, including removing the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Headquarters from the Department of Commerce Entity List, are fully consistent with U.S. Government nonproliferation laws, obligations, and objectives.

The United States and India will continue to move forward under the NSSP, and have a joint implementation group for this purpose. The progress announced today is only the first phase in this important effort, which is a significant part of transforming our strategic relationship.

2004/998

[End] Released on September 17, 2004