US, India to hold high-level economic dialogue

WASHINGTON – Top U.S. and Indian officials are discussing economic cooperation and financial sector reforms that could promote American investment in the fast-growing Asian country.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is hosting Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for the second annual meeting of the U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership.

The central bank chiefs and top regulators are also attending. A conference on Monday will be followed by formal talks at the Treasury on Tuesday.

Among the issues for discussion will be how to finance the development of India's creaking infrastructure, which offers major opportunities for U.S. companies.

The U.S. is gently urging India to expedite economic reforms that could prove politically unpopular in India.