Sushma, Kerry Discuss Terrorism, Energy Security

NEW DELHI: Aiming for a re-energised India-U.S. bilateral relationship, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry explored frontiers vis-a-vis security and clean energy during the fifth India-U.S. strategic dialogue here.

"The two sides recognised that the decisive mandate provided by the Indian people to their new government provided a unique opportunity to re-energise this relationship," said a joint statement on the strategic dialogue.

Sushma Swaraj and Kerry hoped that the Summit Meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington in September would generate new dynamism in the relationship.

The two leaders said they were committed to intensify efforts to combat terrorism.

"Sushma Swaraj and Kerry committed to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, proliferation of WMDs (weapons of mass destruction), nuclear terrorism, cross-border crime, and address the misuse of the internet for terrorist purposes, in compliance with respective laws," the statement said.

Sushma Swaraj and Kerry welcomed the continuation of the Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group process, sustained exchanges of senior experts, and the upcoming meeting of the Working Group in 2014.

They also welcomed plans to hold the next Ministerial Homeland Security Dialogue.

The two leaders also agreed to work towards greater cooperation in cyber security and reducing cyber crime.