WASHINGTON (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today that Indian and U.S. officials will sign a memorandum intended to improve cooperation on energy security, clean energy and climate change.

"This will provide a framework for pursuing bilateral cooperation in specific areas," Singh said.

Speaking on the eve of an elaborate welcome at the White House planned by President Barack Obama, the prime minister did not provide details of the memorandum he said will be signed on Tuesday. He said he will use the White House visit to ease differences on global warming with the United States ahead of an international conference next month.

India has watched with wariness as Obama's administration has lavished attention on rivals Pakistan and China. Now, Obama is trying to ease Indian worries by honoring Singh with the first state visit of his presidency.

The United States sees India as crucial to the U.S.-led fight against extremists in Pakistan and Afghanistan, as a counterweight to China and as key to efforts to settle world trade and climate change deals.