Gates seeks closer cooperation

NEW DELHI, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on his India visit wants expanded bilateral cooperation from military technology to cyber-security, a U.S. official said.

"This is a growing relationship between the U.S. and India," a senior Defense Department official said after Gates met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other leaders, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"We desire to enhance, strengthen our sharing of technology with India; we want to share more information with India, and we want to develop cooperative programs in maritime, cyberspace and space."

The administration of U.S. President Barack Obama sees India as an emerging democratic power even as China's influence grows in the region, the report said.

Gates visit comes at a time when Indian officials alleged China's hand in the attack on Indian government computers last month. The claim, denied by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, coincided with Google's similar claim that attacks on its computers allegedly originated in China.

The Times reported U.S. officials say they believe closer Internet safety ties with India will be good for both nations, while not losing sight of sensitive Sino-U.S. economic issues.

Expanded weapons trade with India is also a U.S. goal and the Times report said one objective of the Gates' trip is to lower some of the current barriers to such trade.