BEIJING, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Strategic consideration is behind the frequent meetings between U.S. President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the latter is paying his fourth trip to the United States since he took office in 2014.
For Obama, improving U.S.-India ties will help consolidate his diplomatic legacy as seven months are left before he leaves office; for Modi, his visit is aimed at seeking new momentum for developing ties with Washington.
The White House on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to joining the Paris climate change pact as soon as possible this year. India similarly has begun its processes to work toward this shared goal.
"The United States and India recognize the urgency of the threat of climate change and are therefore committed to bringing the Paris Agreement into force as quickly as possible," said the White House in a statement.
In a separate statement, the two leaders welcomed the start of preparatory work on site in India for six nuclear reactors to be built by American company Westinghouse.
Once completed, the project would be among the largest of its kind, fulfilling the promise of the U.S.-India civil nuclear agreement, according to the statement.
The two countries also pledged to develop their defense relations into "an anchor of stability" and would work on technology sharing to a level commensurate with that of closest allies and partners.
The text of a logistics agreement, which will allow the countries' militaries to use each other's land, air and naval bases, would be signed soon, a U.S. official said.
Obama said he and Modi also discussed areas where the two countries can cooperate more effectively in order to promote jobs, investment and trade, and greater opportunities for young people in the two countries.
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