Clinton negotiates weapons sales and climate change policies during India visit

The US and India have made a weapons deal but have been unable to reach a compromise on carbon emissions.  During Hillary Clinton’s three-day visit to India, she and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced that the US will sell weapons and fighter jets to India and build two nuclear power plants.  A side agreement is intended to ensure that nuclear weapons technology is not shared with other countries.

While the US and India are claiming a success on the weapons issue, the two countries are much farther apart on climate change. Secretary Clinton admitted the challenges.

“We understand the difficulties that each of our countries face in trying to deal with climate change. So now let’s see if we can’t together find some creative solutions.”

The US wants India to sign onto an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions. The rapidly developing country says they have the “lowest emissions per capita” and don’t need to participate. Secretary Clinton responded, saying India´s overall emissions are rising rapidly.

“The US and India can devise  a plan that will dramatically change the way we produce, consume and conserve energy.”   Indian Prime Minister Singh accepted an invitation to the US in November.