On the Agenda: Easing Tech Limits, Touting Deals

The US might ease restrictions on the export of sensitive technologies to India, but the countries might not strike a significant-enough pact during President Barack Obama's visit to claim a major advance in their strategic relationship.

The US imposed controls on trade with India in dual-use technologies -- items that have both military and peaceful purposes -- after India's nuclear-weapons tests in 1998. India is pushing to do away with the regulations, arguing it has proved its nuclear nonproliferation bona fides over the years. A major agreement would give India a tangible gain from President Obama's visit to complement the billions of dollars in commercial sales the U.S. is expected to announce in aviation, defense and other sectors. India wants to get some of its governmental agencies that are involved in defense, nuclear and space research off of the US "entities" list, which bars or heavily restricts US trade with foreign parties and includes companies and organizations in countries such as Iran and China.

Update: President Barack Obama promoted $10 billion in trade deals - completed in time for his visit - that the White House says will create about 54,000 jobs at home.