Zee Media Bureau
New Delhi: A day after Sushma Swaraj assumed charge as the External Affairs Minister, US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday gave her a congratulatory call.
The duo reportedly discussed re-energising ties between Washington and New Delhi, and enhancing trade and economic ties to USD 500 billion.
Kerry was the first among the international leaders to call Swaraj, an MEA spokesperson said today.
Swaraj, on her part, emphasised on the importance India gives to strengthening the international partnership.
She also briefed Kerry on India`s engagement with the SAARC countries including Pakistan.
Both are looking forward to meeting each other, the spokesperson said.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin confirmed the talks on microblogging website Twitter. He added this was the first congratulatory call and there would be more ahead in the day.
First call! India's External Affairs Minister @SushmaSwaraj received her first congratulatory call from US. Secy of State @JohnKerry
— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) May 29, 2014
Re-energising Relations! Ext Affairs Minister @SushmaSwaraj & Secy @JohnKerry discuss re-energising the strategic partnership in 1st talk.
— Syed Akbaruddin (@MEAIndia) May 29, 2014
After shunning him for over a decade, the US is warming up to Narendra Modi with a fresh invitation to visit Washington.
