Washington ( CNN ) -- State visits to the White House are full of show and symbolism , and Tuesday 's visit by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is no exception . But Singh 's visit , the first state visit hosted by the Obama administration , reflects India 's growing political and economic importance to the United States and the deepening partnership between Washington and New Delhi . The 2005 civil nuclear cooperation deal between the two countries symbolized a new status in U.S.-India relations . But that deal , yet to be ratified by the Indian parliament , was not in a vacuum . The Bush administration followed that up with agreements for increased cooperation on security , science and technology and education . Singh 's visit this week will build on that , with announcements expected on a range of areas from the economy and defense to climate change and energy . India is a fellow democracy , and there is a strong Indian-American community in the U.S . So as it rises to power , India is a natural U.S. ally . On every big global issue today -- from the economy to climate change to fighting terrorism and curbing nuclear proliferation -- Washington needs New Delhi 's cooperation . India is one of the biggest donors in Afghanistan , with $ 1.2 billion in aid . Although this has been met with suspicion in Pakistan , it has helped the United States , sharing some of the burden of stabilizing Afghanistan and providing civilian support . India is also considered a critical U.S. partner in dealing with other instability in the region , in places like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka . Even as the U.S. deepens its cooperation with China on global issues , both Singh 's government and the Obama administration want to manage China 's meteoric rise . Strong U.S.-India ties help both countries ensure that the `` Asian century '' is not merely the `` Chinese century . '' India has also become a major trading partner with the U.S. , with $ 61 billion in trade in 2007 . The U.S. is India 's second-largest trading partner . And India is a major exporter of technology software and services to the U.S. , and that 's expected to increase as India strengthens its role as a global leader in technology . The relationship is not without its irritants , however , the biggest one being India 's nuclear neighbor , Pakistan . India believes the U.S. has failed to curb Islamabad 's backing of anti-India extremists based in Pakistan , and tensions between India and Pakistan remain high , especially with Pakistan 's slow progress on the investigation into last year 's Mumbai attack that killed 166 people . Before coming to Washington , Singh said that Pakistani objectives in Afghanistan are n't necessarily those of the U.S. Pakistan has long seen instability in Afghanistan as critical to its war strategy against India . India is also nervous about a possible integration of some Taliban into power in Afghanistan . Climate change is another point of friction . The U.S. wants India , one of world 's the largest emitters of greenhouse gases , to accept limits on its carbon emissions . India maintains it is still a developing country and wants developed nations , like the U.S. , to assume the lion 's share of burden in dealing with climate change . Another potential difference looms over Iran . India has been careful not to support Iran 's government , but if U.S. diplomacy with Iran fails , it remains to be seen if New Delhi will support tougher sanctions if the U.S. decides to go that route . As India 's economy grows , so will its capability to be one of the U.S. ' great partners . But as its international position strengthens , New Delhi 's interests may not always be aligned with Washington 's . Obama must work to convince India that the U.S. sees it as an important ally and that its rise to power is in the U.S. ' strategic interest . The symbolism of giving Singh the administration 's first state visit will be a good start .
Visit by Indian PM reflects India 's growing political , economic importance to the U.S. Visit will build on deals for unity on security , nuclear , science , technology , education issues . U.S. wants good relations with India as it seeks stability , influence in Asia . Nations ' frictions include relations with Pakistan , climate change legislation .