Washington: Calling India an indispensable partners for the 21st century, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday said the dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit of this bilateral relationship is needed to solve some of world's greatest challenges.
Laying out a roadmap for a long-term strategic partnership between the largest and oldest democratic countries, Kerry said that deepening America's ties with India
is a strategic imperative.
Noting that the India-US ties are yet to "blossom" together, Kerry said, "This is a potentially transformative moment in our relationship with India."
Kerry was referring to the post-election scenario and the formation of the new government, which he said has received historic mandate from its people to deliver change.
"The US and India can and should be indispensable partners for the 21st century. The dynamism and entrepreneurial spirit of our relationship is needed to solve some of world's greatest challenges," he said.
He said the two countries could work together to tackle global challenges from climate change to clean energy and others.
Kerry is scheduled to leave Washington for New Delhi later on Tuesday to co-chair the fifth annual India-US Strategic on July 31 along with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Kerry would be accompanied by Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, who will lead discussions to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Other members of the
administration, including Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman, Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary Francis Taylor and NASA Associate Administrator Michael O'Brien, are also expected to join the trip.
"In addition to holding the Strategic Dialogue, Kerry will meet Modi, the first cabinet-level meeting with a US official since the inauguration of the new Indian government," Psaki said.
Discussion will cover the full range of bilateral issues, including expanding bilateral trade, tackling climate change, improving India's energy security through cooperation in clean energy and energy access, and expanding the already robust people-to-people ties, she said.
