“To build on our shared leadership in combating climate change, the United States is going to do more to help India upgrade its power grid and work with our private sector in order to help provide financing for innovative renewable energy projects and clean energy entrepreneurs”.
Advertisement
Washington has long urged India and Pakistan to reopen talks to resolve the tensions and Kerry will discuss the issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
“It is clear that Pakistan has work to do in order to push harder against its indigenous groups that are engaged in terrorist activities”.
“We are witnessing a moment that defines for certain a very different and renewed relationship between the United States and India”, Kerry said.
Kerry also addressed the issue of Pakistan and terrorism, and neither side minced words.
Talking about US relations with India and PM Modi, Secretary Kerry said, “I appreciate starving vision of future it’s in Indian DNA, US supports PM Modi’s plan of increasing share of renewable power source”. The sides reaffirmed their support for a UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism that advances and strengthens the framework for global cooperation to counter terrorism and reinforces that no cause or grievance justifies terrorism.
“They discussed progress in bilateral engagement since the Prime Minister’s visit to the USA in June, 2016”. “We have to respect the rights of all our citizens irrespective of creed and allow them to protest in peace without the fear of reprisal or retribution, without fear of being jailed”, he added.
US diplomat reiterates rhetoric during visit to India to bolster ties. On Pakistan, Mr Kerry said, it is clear that there is work to do for Pakistan to push harder against sanctuaries of terror. This is perhaps in Indian DNA. On his part, Kerry stressed that cooperation in defence, energy and cyber security should be strengthened between India and the USA, adding that his government is exploring the possibility of finalising a cyber-framework to protect both countries from new global cyber threats.
Advertisement
However, there was some recognition from the USA official of the magnitude of the challenge that Pakistan faces in combating terrorists. As the USA expands ties to other developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, India can serve as a model of stability and democratic rule, both administration officials and regional experts say.
