New Delhi: The US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for an annual strategic dialogue, the first engagement with the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Before leaving for the capital Kerry said India and the US were on the cusp of a “historic transformation” in their relationship and that Washington stood behind New Delhi’s rise as a political and economic power.
“We are coming to India to deliver a single message: that the US is prepared to be a full partner in this effort. We will work hand in hand with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government to promote open and liberal trade and investment, jobs training and closer strategic ties,” Kerry and Commerce Secretary Pritzker wrote.
Kerry is heading the high-powered delegation, which includes State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki and Pritzker. He will co-chair the fifth annual India-US Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, during his three-day official visit.
“Kerry’s visit underscores the importance of the US-India partnership, and will lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Modi’s September visit,” Psaki said. She told reporters that the strategic dialogue is an opportunity to reinvigorate the already strong relations with India and to begin working with the new government to advance shared bilateral and regional interests.
“Discussions will focus on expanding trade and investment to achieve greater shared prosperity; ensuring India’s energy security through cooperation and clean energy; ensuring the safety of both our nations through expanded counterterrorism and homeland security cooperation; and tackling global issues such as the looming threat of climate change,” she said.