In a significant step forward in bilateral relationship, India and the US tonight agreed to enter into an understanding on end-use monitoring agreement that will pave the way for greater defence cooperation as New Delhi conveyed its decision to locate two nuclear parks for American companies.

After a hectic day of meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the two countries have agreed to enter into a strategic dialogue based on five pillars of cooperation.

The Prime Minister will make his first state visit to Washington during the Obama administration on November 24.

“We share a common trait by rolling up our sleeves and get things done. We have shown progress also by finalising important agreements today including the end user agreement that will pave the way for greater defence cooperation between our countries and technology safeguards agreement,” Clinton told a joint press conference with Krishna.

In his remarks, Krishna said that the two countries have agreed on the end use monitoring arrangements that will henceforth be referred to in the letters of acceptance in procurement of defence equipment and technologies.