India's rise to be consequential for global order: Burns

WASHINGTON: Ahead of President Barack Obama's historic state visit to India, a top US diplomat has said India's rise would be consequential for the international order and deeply in the interests of America.

"India's rise may be as consequential for international order, the future of the global economy and the promotion of human values as any other development in the new century unfolding before us," Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Bill Burns said.

He made the remarks at an awards dinner in New York where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was presented the 2010 'World Statesman Award' in absentia by the Appeals of Conscience Foundation, a US-based interfaith coalition.

"Without any doubt, India's rise is deeply in the interests of the United States, and our stake in India's success grows more apparent as each day passes," Burns said ahead of Obama's visit to India in early November.

Burns said the US and India are united not only by common values and shared interests, but increasingly by the vast web of family, business, artistic and scientific ties that transcend our borders.

"As President Obama prepares for an historic state visit to India later this autumn, the promise of our partnership, built on strong bipartisan foundations in both our countries, looms bright and unmistakable," he said.

Last week, the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake had described India as an indispensable partner and said that one of the thematic topics

to be discussed during Obama's visit would be US support for India's growing global role and influence.