India’s premier bolsters ties to U.S.

WASHINGTON — After decades of mistrust and fitful reconciliation efforts, India and the United States made a turn toward cooperation Tuesday.

India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, making his second visit to the White House in two years, announced a crucial step toward ratification of the Paris agreement to limit greenhouse gases, bringing the accord close to full implementation.

The two sides also announced that they intended to complete a deal in which India will buy six nuclear reactors from Westinghouse by June 2017, fulfilling an agreement struck in 2005 by President George W. Bush. The price is still under discussion, but more difficult issues like liability have been resolved.

“We continue to discuss a wide range of areas where we can cooperate more effectively in order to promote jobs, promote investment, promote trade and promote greater opportunities for our people, particularly young people, in both of our countries,” President Barack Obama told reporters in the Oval Office during the meeting.

Modi responded with his own praise of the burgeoning partnership. When Obama visited India in January 2015, Modi referred to him as “Barack” and thanked him for his “deep personal commitment” to their friendship. On Tuesday, Modi referred to the president as “my friend Obama.”

Modi has made clear he intends to end decades of standoffishness — rooted in India’s colonial experience — to cement closer ties with Washington.

Obama and Modi also announced a separate agreement to cut the use of hydrofluorocarbons, potent planet-warming chemicals produced by coolants in refrigerators and air-conditioners.

On Wednesday, Modi will become the fifth Indian prime minister to address both houses of Congress.