'Climate for bilateral investment has never been better' says John Kerry
Washington: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with a delegation of cabinet ministers met US secretary of state John Kerry on Tuesday, initiating the strategic and commercial dialogue between the two countries, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Barack Obama.
John Kerry said that the ‘Climate for bilateral investment has never been better’ in almost every sphere, while lauding Prime Minister Modi’s efforts of development in the country and attracting investors. He said that the US is confident of increasing bilateral trade five-fold between the countries in the coming few years compared to the current level of $100 billion.
“We have entered a new era marked by a rapidly developing network of commercial ties, a deep well of affection that is growing between our two people and a genuine warmth at the highest level”, John Kerry added while talking about bilateral relations between US and India.
Both Sushma Swaraj and Kerry emphasized that the two countries are committed to boosting trade ties and towards increasing co-operation.
"The impressive intensity, scale and level of achievements in our bilateral engagement since last year, is a testimony to the leadership, direct supervision and the tremendous importance attached to the bilateral relationship by our leaders, Prime Minister Modi and President Obama," Swaraj said.
Elaborating further, the external minister said that "the emerging context of the India-US political, strategic and security, and economic ties continues to be constantly shaped by international geo-politics, the strength of the Indian economy amidst global economic uncertainties and the need for partnership among democracies to respond to some of the global challenges like terrorism".
Kerry said that Prime Minister Modi will meet President Obama next week and recalled witnessing their meet at the White House on Modi’s last visit to the US. “It was really interesting to see Modi and Obama inteact in the White House at profound levels about technology, energy and the transformational opportunities that lie before us”, he said.
