John Kerry meets Sushma Swaraj, says Obama calls Indo-US ties 'defining partnership of 21st century'

New Delhi: Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday met US Secretary of State John Kerry in Delhi at India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue.

Opening the plenary session, Sushma Swaraj said, "I would urge the United States to join the International solar alliance as an active member."

Thanking India, Kerry said, "Honoured to be back in Delhi and participate in the 2nd Strategic & Commercial Dialogue." 

Defining partnership of the 21st century

John Kerry said, "This is the last time I have the privilege to lead this dialogue, but I'm very confident that we'll continue to strengthen what President Obama has called "defining partnership of the 21st century".

Talking about the bilateral ties, Kerry said, "I hope everyone here will take pride in everything we have accomplished in recent years.

Cyber threats

"We look forward to finalise a cyber framework that will help us protect from global cyber threats," Kerry added.

"Our citizens are studying, living and earning their livelihood in each others countries like never before," Swaraj said during the session.

Climate change

Thanking India, Kerry said, "Our collaboration in battling climate change is significant, grateful to India, particularly for offering leadership for same in Paris." 

"We are working to bring new technologies to help India meet its ambitious renewable energy targets," Kerry added.

Civil nuclear co-operation

Talking civil nuclear co-operation, Kerry said, "We hope to see our civil nuclear co-operation take shape in form of new reactors that deliver reliable electricity to Indian households."

India's membership to APEC forum

"I hope that you will treat the issue of India's membership to APEC forum positively," EAM Sushma Swaraj said in plenary session with John Kerry.

"We hope the next US administration will continue to support the Paris agreement with the same seriousness and purpose as you have done," Swaraj added.