Manmohan embarks on US mission to boost ties

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi before his departure, Singh said he would discuss ways of enhancing "relations in the field of science and technology" with US President George W. Bush during his three-day visit starting Monday.

"In my meetings with President Bush, I look forward to a comprehensive review of our bilateral relations. The United States is our largest trading partner," said Singh.

"Accelerated economic cooperation, relating to trade investment and technology collaboration is a primary objective. We hope to enhance the content of our interactions in the field of space and civilian nuclear energy cooperation," he added.

India is barred from buying civilian nuclear technology from the United States and many other countries because it is not a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The United States has hinted it wants to relax the prohibition for India which is looking for new sources of energy to power its quickly growing economy.

Singh, who will stop in Frankfurt en route to Washington, will also push the US for support on India's joint bid for a UN Security Council seat with Brazil, Germany and Japan.

"My visit to the United States is an important element of our effort to establish friendly and productive relations abroad so as to optimise the benefits for India's development and for our security and foreign policy interests," said Singh.

Singh will address the US Congress on Tuesday, the day after he holds talks with Bush in the White House.