(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Erican secretary of state to lay groundwork for Indian premiers Washington visit googletag.Stressing that the US and India have the potential to become indispensable partners in the 21st century Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington wants to support the Narendra Modi government’s vision of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (together with all development for all).
Kerry who arrives in India this week for talks with the Modi government said on Monday evening that he would be “emphasising the opportunities” in which the US and India can become indispensable partners when he touches base with the new Indian government. The India visit of Kerry would lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in September to meet President Barack Obama an American official said on Tuesday.
“Secretary Kerry’s visit underscores the importance of the US-India partnership and will lay the groundwork for Prime Minister Modi’s September visit to the United States” State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
Kerry will co-chair the fifth annual India-US Strategic Dialogue on July 31 along with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj here.
Kerry who mentions Modi’s name 11 times in his address at the Centre for American Progress (CAP) a top American think-tank that launched the programme “India:2020” which will examine short and long term policy priorities for every aspect of the India-US strategic partnership with a focus on concrete recommendations that can be achieved by the year 2020 said: “The new Indian government’s plan Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (together with all development for all) — that’s a concept a vision that we want to support.
“We believe it’s a great vision and our private sector is eager to be a catalyst in India’s economic revitalisation.”
Speaking on the subject “The US and India: A Shared Vision for 2020 and Beyond” Kerry touched on Modi’s invite to South Asian leaders for his swearing in May 26.
“Now clearly Prime Minister Modi understands the opportunities that regional connectivity provides for India and for a more stable prosperous region.
“And by inviting leaders from around the region to his swearing-in and by bringing them together to speak about connecting their economies as one of his first orders of business he is eager for India to play a leading role. And guess what So are we.”
Touching on India-Pakistan relations Kerry said Modi’s invite to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for his inauguration was an important first step in improving cross-border trade and ties.
He said both Modi and Sharif “are business-minded leaders who want to create opportunity for their people. “I talked to Nawaz Sharif after his visit there. He was very encouraged thought it was positive possibilities he understood. So improved trade is a win-win for both countries and both peoples.” He said the US was committed to do everything to encourage India and Pakistan to work together and improve ties. He pushed for India and the US increasing bilateral trade from $100 billion to $500 billion and said it was in their “mutual interest” to address the “obstacles that kind of raise their head here and there as you go along”.
Kerry said both sides needed to build on the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement “so that American companies can start building and can start providing clean power to millions in India”.
Kerry said the present moment could be a time “where our destinies actually do converge” and called for both sides to harness their capacities deepen their partnership and make smart choices.
“That is why I leave for Delhi tomorrow (July 29) night and that is why the president will welcome Prime Minister Modi to Washington in September.
“Because this is the moment to transform our strategic relationship into an historic partnership that honors our place as great powers and great democracies.
“We intend to leave not an instant behind us. We are going to get to work now.” For more news from Khaleej Times follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes and on Twitter at khaleejtimes Follow khaleejtimes -->
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