US-INDIA 2LST

And fully realising that there is a great potential for
growth and further work between our two countries in advancing
a common agenda on major issues of concern to the global
community, which include issues like economic development,
climate change, energy, and also promoting peace around the
globe," Hammer said reviewing Indo-US relationship in the
first year of the Administration.
"In that spirit the President had his first and the only
State Dinner with Prime Minister Singh.
"That event marked really the closeness and bonds
between our two countries and really reflected the deep
affection that there is for India and the contributions as
well the Indian-Americans make to American society," the White
House spokesperson said.
It was during this administration that the White House
appointed a senior director level official at the National
Security Council to exclusively handle America's relationship
with India, he pointed out.
The first year also included important visits by the
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert
Gates, National Security Advisor James Jones.
"So we see a continuing already of that deep engagement
this year with the recent visit of Secretary Gates. I fully
anticipate that every effort would be made on the part of the
United States to forge an even deeper partnership with India
in this coming year," Hammer added. PTI