US, India leaders discuss climate change, nuclear energy

US President Barack Obama (R) encourages reporters to spread out and fill the room as he and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi finish their meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, US June 7, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed climate change, nuclear energy and economic cooperation during a meeting at the White House on Tuesday.

"We discussed how we can as quickly as possible bring the Paris agreement into place, how we can make sure that climate financing that's necessary for India to be able to embark on its bold vision for solar energy and clean energy that Prime Minister Modi has laid out can be accomplished," Obama told reporters after the meeting.

In a statement issued later by the White House, the US reaffirms its commitment to join the climate change pact reached in Paris as soon as possible this year. India similarly has begun its processes to work toward this shared goal.

"The United States and India recognize the urgency of the threat of climate change and are therefore committed to bringing the Paris Agreement into force as quickly as possible," said the statement.

In a separate statement, the two leaders welcomed the start of preparatory work on site in India for six nuclear reactors to be built by American company Westinghouse.

Once completed, the project would be among the largest of its kind, fulfilling the promise of the US-India civil nuclear agreement, according to the statement.

Obama said he and Modi also discussed areas where the two countries can cooperate more effectively in order to promote jobs, investment, trade and greater opportunities for young people in the two countries.

Noting that India is a country with 800 million people under the age of 35, Modi said the two countries can work together to bring forward India's talents for the benefit of innovation.

Modi arrived in the United States on Monday for a three-day official visit. He is scheduled to deliver a speech to the US Congress on Wednesday.