Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, right, gestures while speaking with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden during a meeting in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, July 23, 2013. Photo: AP

During a 4-day visit to India that began on Monday, US Vice President Joe Biden met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to discuss, among other topics, obstacles inhibiting US companies from investing in the Indian market. The two discussed constraints in implementing the 2008 Civilian Nuclear Agreement which declared that foreign enterprises operating in India must take responsibility if a nuclear incident occurs. This requirement discourages foreign enterprises from building a nuclear plant in India. The two leaders also discussed regional security issues especially concerns about the Taliban possible returning to power in Kabul after 2014. Indian media said that Biden’s visit, which came only a few weeks after US Secretary of State John Kerry visited India and co-chaired the US-India strategic dialogue reflects a determination to strengthen the relationship. This visit also aims to prepare the planned meeting between Singh and President Obama in Washington in September.