Vibrant Gujarat: US is keen to elevate ties with India to next level, says John Kerry

GANDHINAGAR: The US is keen to elevate ties with India to the next level, US Secretary of State John Kerry told the media on the sidelines of Vibrant Gujarat 2015 on Monday, adding that four core areas —including economic cooperation and defence —are likely to dominate discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama during the latter’s visit later this month.

The areas also include civil nuclear energy cooperation and maritime security including terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, said Kerry. Obama will become the first US President to visit India twice during his term, Kerry pointed out, adding that his own visit to India for the summit is the first time a US Secretary of State has visited India twice within six months.

He said this showed the importance that his country is giving to relations with India. Kerry also promised that the US will extend support to Modi’s plan to provide round-the-clock power. The US Secretary said he had a very productive meeting with the PM in Mahatma Mandir about Obama’s upcoming visit. They discussed ways and means to strengthen relations, besides reviewing progress of the economic relationship between the two, adding that they also discussed issues related to climate change.

Noting that Modi was committed to combating climate change, Kerry stressed on the impetus given to the renewable energy sector by him. He pointed out that the prime minister had also worked in this direction while he was the chief minister of Gujarat. Kerry also visited the Ford Auto factory on the outskirts of Ahmedabad early on Monday. “I am impressed with what I have seen at the Vibrant Gujarat,” Kerry said, adding that the energy and eagerness to engage and partner with countries were palpable.