U.S. Welcomes India As Rising Power: John Kerry

The U.S. welcomes India as a rising power and backs its inclusion as a permanent member of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council, Secretary of State John Kerry has said ahead of his maiden visit to New Delhi.

In a video message for Indians ahead of the next week's Indo-US strategic dialogue, Kerry said that this is a critical ongoing conversation between the two countries.

"It's one that demonstrates our firm belief that a strong India is in America's national interest. The United States not only welcomes India as a rising power, we fervently support it," Kerry said in his nearly five minute video message, which he starts with Namaskar.

"That's why President Obama (Barack) and I support India's inclusion as a member, a permanent member, of a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC)," he said.

Kerry said he is looking forward to visiting some of "extraordinary historic sites" in New Delhi and excited to meet with the next generation of Indian leaders.

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