India, US sign document to expand cooperation in Asia and Africa

NEW DELHI: India and the US today signed the Statement of Guiding Principles on Triangular Cooperation for Global Development which provides a framework for promoting greater cooperation in addressing development challenges in Asia and Africa.

The document, inked after nearly three months of fifth Indo-US Strategic Dialogue, helps fulfil the joint commitment of both nations to work together and leverage their combined capacities to provide demand-driven cooperation firmly rooted in third country leadership, a US Embassy release said here.

The Statement was signed by Kumar Tuhin, Joint Secretary in Development Partner Administration in MEA and John A Beed, Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in India.

"Both India and the US will continue to collaborate closely with third country partners to strengthen institutions and build capacity. Initial efforts include continued training for African government, private sector and academic professionals in food processing and expanding collaboration for women's empowerment.Public-private partnerships may also be established that complement government-led initiatives and optimise overall impact," the release said.