PM-Trump talks: Civil nuclear deal to figure, no pact on reactors

The Indo-US civil nuclear deal is expected to figure during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump tomorrow, but a pact between the NPCIL and Westinghouse to build six power reactors in Andhra Pradesh is unlikely to be signed.

A host of strategic issues is expected to be discussed during the parleys between the leaders of the world's two largest democracies, including the progress on the 2008 civil nuclear deal, according to official sources here.

They said a financial turmoil in Westinghouse and absence of a functional reference atomic plant were the main impediments behind the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited's (NPCIL) unwillingness to sign the agreement with the American nuclear giant.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that "strategic issues" would be on the table when he holds talks with his "true friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Monday, as the two leaders look to strike a personal rapport in their maiden meeting.

"Look forward to welcoming India's PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!," Trump posted on his official (@POTUS) Twitter handle.

Modi, in his reply to Trump, thanked him for the "warm personal welcome" and said he was "greatly" looking forward to the meeting and discussions tomorrow at the White House.

Modi, who arrived here Sunday morning, will hold summit talks with Trump Monday afternoon in the White House and the two leaders would spend several hours together in various settings including one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, a reception and a working dinner.