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

He said it is safe to say that India-U.S. collaboration has never been more important than it is today.

"As (the US) President Obama has said, the friendship between our two nations is one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century," Kerry said.

"Today, the U.S. and India collaborate closely in almost every field of human endeavour. Together, we are tackling shared challenges and making the most of new opportunities.

From higher education to clean energy, from counter-terrorism to space science, we are seizing new opportunities to work together, and in doing so, we're increasing the prosperity and security of both of our peoples," he said.

He said the U.S. and India share a strong and enduring commitment to Afghanistan's peace and prosperity.

"India is making important contributions through its reconstruction and development work. And we also welcome India's leadership in the Asia-Pacific region," Kerry said.

This is the time for both the US and India to challenge themselves in order to reach higher, in order to strengthen the bonds, and to realise the full potential of partnership, he said.

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