Indian PM's special envoy on a four-day visit to US

Lalit K Jha

Washington, Mar 23 (PTI) Indian Prime Minister's Special
Envoy on Climate Change Shyam Saran has arrived here on a
four-day visit to US to hold discussions with senior officials
of the new Obama administration on the crucial issue.

Saran, who landed here Sunday night, is expected to
articulate the view point of the Indian government on the
crucial matter during his meetings with the officials.

While sharp differences exists between the two countries
on climate change, the meetings is expected to focus on areas
of Indo-US cooperation in the field of renewable and clean
energy.

He would also use the opportunity to meet
Washington-based think tanks and address them. Monday, he
would address the prestigious Carnegie Endowment for
International Peace on "India's Climate Change Initiatives:
Strategies for a Greener Future".

During the meeting, Saran is expected to discuss India's
domestic initiatives on climate change mitigation, including
the Prime Minister's National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Unveiled in July 2008, the plan aims to support rapid
economic development in an environmentally sustainable
manner.

Saran, who was actively involved in the negotiations of
the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal in various capacities, is
scheduled to deliver a key note address on the issue at the
prestigious Brookings Institute today.

A Washington-based think tank, Brookings has organised a
day-long meeting on the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal and the
changing relationship between the two countries in the context
of the landmark agreement.

The event will examine the agreement's implications on
American and Indian policy pertaining to energy, economics and
technology; non-proliferation and nuclear strategy; and
overall US-India relations.