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WASHINGTON: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Monday that India is "open for business" with US firms.
Speaking ahead of his White House visit, Singh said India wanted US participation across the board, from agriculture to nuclear power.
"Literally today, all fields of economic activity are virtually open for participation by foreign investors. And I can assure you that no investors will be more welcome in our country than investors from this great country," he said.
The positive tone comes after US President Barack Obama was judged by critics to have come back from his recent Asia trip with little more than souvenirs.
Singh said corporate American can help build roads, railways, ports and airports in India. In rural areas, he sees a role for US agro-technology firms.
India also plans to increase spending on US military hardware. Eleven months ago, the tone was set by former US President George W. Bush, with the signing of a civil nuclear deal which ended India's nuclear isolation and may soon yield benefits here.
"We are currently finalising the details that will make the agreement fully operational... it will remove the restrictions on the flow of technology in nuclear and many other areas," said Singh.
On Afghanistan and concerns about regional security, the prime minister appealed to what he called "the world community" to stay engaged.
"Premature talk of exit will only embolden the terrorist elements who are out to destabilise not only our part of the world but civilised worlds everywhere," he said.
- CNA/so
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