As states possessing nuclear weapons, India and the United States on Monday put forth "a common vision of a world without nuclear weapons" and cooperation to tackle nuclear terrorism. Both have decided to lead global efforts for non-proliferation and universal and non-discriminatory global nuclear disarmament, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced in his introductory remarks at a joint presser along with US President Barack Obama, describing it as "a historic and bold bilateral initiative." He also announced the decision to start a new "Homeland Security Dialogue" that will deepen the cooperation India received from the United States in its "counter-terrorism measures post Mumbai." "We had a detailed exchange on the situation in our extended region, including East Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and West Asia. We have a shared vision of security, stability and prosperity in Asia based on an open and inclusive regional architecture. We have agreed to broaden our strategic dialogue to cover other regions and areas, and initiate joint projects in Africa and Afghanistan," Manmohan Singh said. He also disclosed that both agreed to facilitate trade and people-to-people exchanges, "recognising that protectionism is detrimental to both our economies." Hailing Obama as "a sincere and valued friend of our country," Manmohan Singh said their discussions led to a meeting of minds. "Ours is a partnership based on common values and interests, a shared vision of the world and the deep rooted ties of friendship among our two peoples," he said. Here are excerpts from his introductory remarks: "I welcome the President as a personal friend and a charismatic leader who has made a deep imprint on world affairs through his inclusive vision of peace, security and welfare for all peoples and all nations. "President Obama yesterday (Sunday) characterised the India-US partnership as one of the defining and indispensable partnerships of the 21st century. In my discussions with the President, we have decided to accelerate the deepening of our ties and to work as equal partners in a strategic relationship that will positively and decisively influence world peace, stability and progress. "We welcome the decision by the United States to lift controls on export of high technology items and technologies to India, and support India’s membership in multilateral export control regimes such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group. This is a manifestation of the growing trust and confidence in each other. We have agreed on steps to expand our cooperation in the space, civil nuclear, defence and other high end sectors. "We have announced specific initiatives in the areas of clean energy, health and agriculture.... and an agreement for cooperation in weather and crop forecasting. We have decided to hold a Higher Education Summit next year. "The United States is one of our largest trading partners. Our trade is balanced and growing. India is among the fastest growing sources of investment in the United States. Indian investments have helped to increase the competitiveness of the US economy. We welcome increased US investment and high technology flows in key sectors of our economy, including the sector of nuclear energy."