Indian PM sets off for US talks

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has departed on a three day state visit to the United States.

Mr Singh is due to hold talks with President George Bush and address a joint session of the US Congress.

Correspondents say both sides are keen to deepen their existing economic, energy and defence ties.

However, there are no signs that Washington is prepared to support a campaign to include India in a reformed United Nations Security Council.

Since Mr Bush's re-election, his new Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, has stressed the importance of good relations with India.

Enhancing interaction

"In my meetings with President Bush, I look forward to a comprehensive review of our bilateral relations. The United States is our largest trading partner," Mr Singh said before flying out of India.

"Accelerated economic cooperation, relating to trade investment and technology collaboration is a primary objective. We hope to enhance the content of our interactions in the field of space and civilian nuclear energy cooperation," he said.

Nuclear energy has been a problematic area between the two nations. The US has refused to cooperate in the nuclear field because of India's refusal to sign up to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

But there are indications that Mr Bush will invite India to join in some international nuclear research projects.

The two men are also likely to discuss a pipeline project taking gas from Iran to India via Pakistan.

The US has raised objections to the project because of its opposition to the current government in Tehran.

During his three-day stay, Mr Singh is also due to meet senior members of Mr Bush's cabinet, including vice- president Dick Cheney as well as leading figures from the Indian-American community.

His talks with Mr Bush are scheduled for Monday and he addresses Congress on Tuesday.

Mr Singh is due to stop in Germany en route to the US.