India, US discuss ways to cooperate globally

The issues such as democracy, human rights are likely to figure in the talks between the two countries.

India and the United States began talks on Wednesday on how they can cooperate on global issues ahead of a visit by US President George W Bush to New Delhi, officials said.

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The issues such as promotion of democracy, human rights, environmental protection and humanitarian relief are likely to figure in the talks between the leaders of the two countries.

The two sides are expected to discuss the possibility of India training Iraqi government officials as well as Afghan diplomats and parliamentarians, an Indian official said on condition of anonymity.

Paula Dobrainsky, the US undersecretary of state for democracy and global affairs, who is leading the US side in the talks, said they would focus on democracy, human rights and illegal human trafficking.

"This underscores not only the strength of our relationship, but also the extent to which we discuss a wide variety of issues," she said.

The two-day talks are to end on Thursday.

During a trip to the United States in July, Manmohan Singh and President Bush signed a landmark civil nuclear cooperation deal, which must be approved by the US Congress before it can be enacted.

Last month, Bush announced that he would visit India and Pakistan in March.