New Delhi: Envoys of six leading world powers US, Japan, China, Britain, Germany and Canada on Saturday hailed India's emergence as a major player at the "global high table" and complimented the new government for its efforts to stimulate economic growth.
The ambassadors and high commissioners said India's role was crucial in combating major challenges facing the globe such as terrorism and climate change while noting that the country has huge untaped potential in trade and economic spheres.
US Ambassador Richard Verma said the strategic partnership between the two countries has moved into a new phase and that the visit here by President Barack Obama had led to breakthroughs on a number of issues.
"Our strategic partnership has moved into a new phase, a more mature one that I would characterize as "strategic plus". Our leaders share an understanding that if our democracies work in tandem, we can have a positive impact on global peace, democracy and economic prosperity," Verma said addressing the India Today conclave.
He said since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US in September last year, both sides have "convened, signed, and cooperated on no fewer than 30 dialogues, declarations, and agreements."
On India-US partnership on clean energy, he said over USD 2.4 billion has been "mobilized" to invest in clean energy projects.
"We have agreed to make concrete progress this year towards phasing out hudrofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol as well as pursuing a strong global climate agreement in Paris this year," he said adding US has offered its support to Indian cities to combat air pollution.
He said last week, a team of experts from the US environmental protection agency met with senior officials and experts of the ministry of environment and the Central Pollution Control Board.
Noting that US wants to "broaden" ties with India, Verma said the ties were being "remade"
He said US and India have shared vision for Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions.
"Our goals include working together and with other interested partners on increasing regional economic integration, promoting accelerated infrastructure connectivity, and supporting rules-based order.
"Far from being something designed to provoke, we believe our partnership can lead to a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable region, to benefit of all," he said.
Lu Yucheng, the Chinese ambassador said Modi's 'Make in India' and 'smart city' projects, among others, have found large support in China, and Beijing wants to proactively work with New Delhi on those.
Japanese Ambassador Takeshi Yagi said, as per a survey done by Japanese industry, India is the best investment destination for the next three years.
British High Commissioner James Bevan said a strong and active India was in everyone's interest, and that it has an important role to play not only in shaping the emerging global order but also on fighting climate change.
