President Bush has welcomed Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the White House for talks expected to cover terrorism, trade and energy issues.
In a brief statement, Mr. Bush said U.S.-Indian relations have never been stronger, and that he looks forward to expanding economic ties and working to advance global peace and prosperity.
Mr. Singh said the United States and India face common challenges that threaten their way of life, but have great potential to work together. Prime Minister Singh has said he plans to ask for access to U.S. technology for India's civilian nuclear energy program.
India has not signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and U.S. law bars export of nuclear technology to any country that is not a party to the pact.
India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council may also present a point of contention.
But both Indian and U.S. officials say they want to stress areas of agreement during the prime minister's visit.
