WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton welcomed progress in US efforts to invest in India’s civilian nuclear power industry, but said more action is needed to translate improving ties into economic benefits.

The two governments held their annual strategic dialogue in Washington late Wednesday, seeking to boost relations that have blossomed in recent years but have yet to meet US hopes for greater market access for American companies.

“It’s not enough just to talk about cooperation on issues ranging from civil nuclear energy, attracting US investment to India or defending human rights or promoting women’s empowerment,” Clinton said, alongside India’s foreign minister, S.M. Krishna.

“We have to follow through so that our people, citizens of two, great pluralistic democracies, can see and feel the benefits,” she said.
Krishna said India plans to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure development over the coming five years, offering enormous business opportunities for US companies.

He offered assurances to prospective investors that there will be “a level playing field and total transparency.”

Security cooperation and defense sales have grown rapidly, and Washington looks to New Delhi as a partner in the economic development of Afghanistan. But some analysts say the relationship is being oversold. — AP