The 2014 SGP Agreement underscores the contribution of India-U.S. partnership to global stability and prosperity

India and the US have expanded the scope of capacity building activities undertaken jointly in Asia and Africa under the Statement of Guiding Principles (SGP) on Triangular Cooperation for Global Development.

The two sides have also extended the validity of the pact till 2026.

These were part of the Second Amendment to the SGP, a framework for working together in Asia and Africa, signed by India and the US on Friday.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the SGP Agreement, signed in November 2014, underscores the contribution of India-U.S. partnership to global stability and prosperity.

It also provides a framework for promoting cooperation between the two countries to meet the developmental aspirations of partner countries, particularly in Asia and Africa.

The Second Amendment to the SGP Agreement, signed on Thursday, extends the validity of the SGP Agreement till 2026.

It expands the scope of capacity building activities undertaken jointly by India and the United States under this framework and also provides a consultative mechanism for joint biannual monitoring and review of activities undertaken under the SGP.

The Amendment was signed by Abhilasha Joshi, Joint Secretary, Development Partnership Administration-II Division, Ministry of External Affairs of India and Karen Klimowsky, Acting Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in India.

Under the Agreement, India and U.S. will continue to offer capacity building assistance to partner countries in multiple sectors, focusing primarily on agriculture, regional connectivity, trade and investments, nutrition, health, clean and renewable energy, women empowerment, disaster preparedness, water, sanitation, education and institution building.

The Agreement helps fulfill the joint commitment of both nations to work together and leverage their combined capacities to provide demand-driven development partnership.

This triangular cooperation with the US will complement India’s other ongoing and future development partnerships, capacity building and technical assistance with countries globally.