Clinton calls for greater debate on FDI, n-cooperation

Kolkata, May 7 (IANS) The US wants "greater debate" on the issues of foreign direct investment (FDI) and civil nuclear cooperation, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said here Monday.

"We want to have far greater debate and dialogue on FDI and civil nuclear cooperation. US was in conversation with Indian government on those issues for a long time," she said.

The issue of FDI in multibrand retail and other economic reforms are likely to come up at the meeting between Clinton and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Possibilities of US investment in West Bengal would also be on the discussion table.

Participating in an interaction anchored by NDTV at the La Martiniere school for girls, Clinton said: "Increasingly around the world, people are trying to substitute ideology or partisan politics with what I have been calling for... evidence-based decision making."

Clinton called for an open conversation based on facts. "Increasingly, in my own country and around the world, people are trying to avoid the facts."

Replying to a question on the Indian Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act passed by parliament last August, Clinton said: "We have made it clear to the government that under the legislation that was passed, it would be difficult for US companies to participate."

"We're still discussing this and hoping there's a way to work it out," she said.

The US has objected to some provisions of the Indian nuclear liability bill which allows citizens to file tort claims for damages and the nuclear plant operator's right of recourse against nuclear suppliers.