The Hindu Business Line : India, US likely to ink R&D, agri pacts during Bush visit

DURING the maiden visit of the US President, Mr George Bush, India and the US are expected to see greater collaborations being forged in the fields of agriculture and knowledge economy.

According to sources, India is also likely to accede at least partially to something that the US has been keen on - the identification and separation of civilian and nuclear facilities.

This agreement is expected to give India similar rights and benefits enjoyed by any other nuclear weapons State with respect to civilian nuclear energy co-operation without signing the non-proliferation treaty (NPT).

The two countries are expected to increase co-operation in using alternative sources of energy, especially hydrogen.

Agreements on joint R&D programmes in IT, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals could be concluded.

Mr Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Knowledge Commission, is also likely to make a presentation on the collaborative opportunities available with the two nations, the sources said.

In agriculture, the US is expected to play a more dominant role in India's second green revolution.

And as part of this, it will provide farmers access to technology and seeds, besides making investments in research

Funds are also likely to be provided for improving the agricultural Universities and marketing of agri-products.

But if the focus is on R&D, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is concerned about which way the Government would go in deciding on data protection.

The US pharma companies want IPR protection similar to that available in their own country, where small changes could be patented leading to evergreening of patents.

The itinerary also includes a short visit to Hyderabad, where Mr Bush is expected to visit the Agriculture University, the Software Park, as well the Indian School of Business.

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