'Kerry's Visit Start Of Imp Relationship With New Indian Govt'

WASHINGTON: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to India is the beginning of an important relationship with the new Indian government that has great "strategic value" to America, the Obama administration has said.

Kerry, visited New Delhi last week to co-chair the fifth annual India-U.S. Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. He was the first cabinet minister from the Obama administration to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzeker, also travelled to India along with the Secretary of State.

"I would hardly see this visit as an ending or a conclusive visit as much as a beginning of an important relationship with a new government and one that has great strategic value to the United States," State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, told reporters yesterday.

"It was certainly a warm visit and a warm meeting, so hopefully that will melt the ice," she said.

Defense Minister Chuck Hagel is scheduled to travel to India later this week, making him the third US Cabinet Minister to meet Modi government officials in less than a week.

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