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Clinton Meets Indian PM
US President Bill Clinton Friday met with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the White House to discuss issues of mutual concern, including trade, nuclear non-proliferation, environmental protection and regional security.
"India and the United States have forged a bond," Clinton told reporters before the meeting. "Our challenge is to turn our common bond into common achievements."
Vajpayee, who arrived here after attending the United Nations Millennium summit in New York on a reciprocal visit to Clinton's India trip in March, responded that "this is a time of new hope and new opportunities in Indo-American ties."
Clinton had earlier greeted the 73-year-old Indian prime minister with a ceremonial welcome on the White House South Lawn.
The two leaders will first have a 40-minute private talk, followed by an additional 30 minutes accompanied by top aides from both sides.
As Vajpayee has been suffering from a knee ailment, a joint press conference scheduled later Friday was canceled at the Indian side's request.
Vajpayee began his four-day official visit Thursday by addressing a joint session of the U.S. Congress. U.S. Vice President Al Gore is expected to entertain the Indian prime minister with a state dinner at the White House Sunday evening.
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