US Vice President Joe Biden Monday began a four-day visit to India to discuss economic ties, trade, energy, climate change and defence co-operation, US officials said. He is to also discuss regional security, including the conflict in Afghanistan, with Indian leaders. Biden was expected to address New Delhi's concerns about the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and upcoming talks with the Taliban.
He is to meet President Pranab Mukherjee and Premier Manmohan Singh on Tuesday, the main day of talks. India is among the leading donors to Afghanistan and has invested 2 billion dollars to build infrastructure, including hospitals and highways. "We strongly support the role India has played in Afghanistan, leveraging its economic strength to improve Afghanistan's economy," Biden told The Times of India.
Biden was expected to press New Delhi to remove restrictions for US firms to do business in India. After engagements in New Delhi, Biden is to spend the next two days in Mumbai, where he was scheduled to meet business leaders. He was also due to make a policy speech at the Bombay Stock Exchange. Biden is to conclude his India visit and leave for Singapore on July 25.
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