'Narendra Modi government offers wonderful opportunity to reset Indo-US ties'

New Delhi: The new Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides a wonderful opportunity to reset Indo-US relationship, a top American Senator said on Thursday.

In his keynote address on 'Improving US-India Trade Relations', organised by National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Senator Mark Warner unveiled his "first 100 day plan" that both the Modi government and the Obama Administration needs to take to revitalise India-US relationship.

Warner, who is Co-Chair of the Senate India Caucus, was highly appreciative of what he called the "bold agenda" unveiled by the Modi Government called for raising FDI cap in various sectors like insurance and defence, praised Modi government for taking steps to bring in transparency in governance and curb corruption.

The US manufacturing sector, which had launched anti-India campaign in last one year, welcomed the steps being taken by the Modi Government in the last one week and said this offers an opportunity for dialogue and it is ready to partner with India in the manufacturing sector.

The Modi government provides a wonderful opportunity to reset ties, the Democratic Party leader said.

For the Obama Administration, Warner called for nominating a new Ambassador to India who has enough stature and clout that reflects of the importance the US President attaches to bilateral ties.

The United States must review its visa policy with regard to India, he argued, noting that the visa issue is a constant irritant from the Indian side.

Warner called for announcing a joint energy project between India and the United States.

"We need to convene the India US Strategic Dialogue. We need to do this in New Delhi," he said.

Praising the Gujarat model of development Warner said infrastructure in India presents a real opportunity.

"For US firms, a large part of the investment opportunities for the next five years are likely to be in infrastructure."

"The Delhi-Mumbai corridor is taking shape, and it is worth asking the Government of India to consider dedicating several commercial centres for US investment," Warner said.

William Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, said the Modi Government offers best opportunity for India to realize its full potential. Manufacturers in the US are optimistic about new government to put the India US economic relationship back on track, he said.

Observing that increasing investment in manufacturing is key to Modi's agenda, Kristol said his victory is a vital moment for the two countries to chart a new path in bilateral relationship.