India and the US Monday inked an agreement for greater cooperation in development activities in Asia and Africa.
The Statement of Guiding Principles on Triangular Cooperation for Global Development was signed by Kumar Tuhin, joint secretary in the ministry of external affairs, and John A. Beed, mission director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in India, said a statement from the US embassy here.
"Pursuant to the fifth US-India Strategic Dialogue, which underscored the contribution of the India-US partnership to regional and global stability and prosperity, the document provides a framework for promoting greater cooperation in addressing development challenges in Asia and Africa and helping to strengthen connectivity in Asia," it said.
The agreement helps fulfil the joint commitment of both nations to work together and leverage their combined capacities to provide demand-driven cooperation firmly rooted in third country leadership, the statement said.
Both India and the US will continue to collaborate closely with third country partners to strengthen institutions and build capacity.
The initial efforts will include continued training for African government, private sector, and academic professionals in food processing; and expanding collaboration for women's empowerment. Public-private partnerships may also be established, it said.
