Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to visit US

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will visit the US in the last week of September to address the United Nations General Assembly and hold talks with President George W Bush.

Singh is slated to address the world body on September 28.

During his stay in New York, Singh and Bush are expected to discuss issues pertaining to the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal. The two leaders will also discuss ways to enhance cooperation in other fields like defence, agriculture and technology.

The prime minister is expected to meet several world leaders on the sidelines of the UN meet.

Bush had invited Singh for a bilateral visit, during which talks were to be held at the president's private ranch in Texas.

"The Prime Minister has accepted the invitation (from Bush). But the dates are yet to be fixed," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said. Sarna was reacting to reports claiming that Singh had declined Bush's invitation.

Singh had skipped the UN General Assembly session in 2006 to attend the Non-Alliance Movement Summit in Havana. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee represented India at the meet.

Bush will address the Assembly on September 25, followed by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, if the general attends the session.