'India, US enjoy mature bilateral relations'

India and the United States enjoy 'mature bilateral relations' and there is a need for further strengthening economic and trade ties through vibrant partnership and join ventures, US Ambassador Nancy J Powell said today.

Powell, who met Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil at the Raj Bhavan here said, "India and the United States enjoy mature bilateral relations and strong socio-cultural linkages.

"There is a need for further strengthening ties through vibrant partnership and joint ventures in different fields of activity, particularly in education."

In the meeting with the Governor, the US Ambassador to India discussed a range of issues including investment in various fields.

During the meeting, the Punjab Governor stressed on strengthening partnerships in agro-related ventures, especially food processing.

Patil said there is a major scope to further expand economic and business cooperation in wide range of fields like genetic technology and solar energy.

"India is very rich in genetic wealth but it needs genetic knowledge and technology.

"If we cooperate in this area, it would prove to be of immense mutual benefit for the people of both sides," Patil, who is also the Administrator of Chandigarh, said.

Image: Nancy J Powell; Photograph: Reuters