U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry pushed for expansion of India-US commercial ties and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to the area of wind energy.
“The world’s oldest democracy and the largest democracy can help to forge an era of shared prosperity and security. Trade between India and the U.S. has increased five-fold since 2001. We can do more together. I want our economic relationship to grow stronger in every aspect. We must do more together and we must do it faster. We share PM Modi’s goal of increasing our country’s annual trade fivefold. We want to expand our commercial ties with India and our bilateral trade to increase five-fold,” Mr. Kerry said in his address at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015.
He expressed awe at the “entrepreneurial passion” he saw in the entrepreneurs of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore on his several visits to India.
“Our founding documents begin with the exact same words ‘We the people’ and our innovators and entrepreneurs are constantly pushing the curve of discovery,” he said.
In the wake of the huge numbers of people in extreme poverty, Mr. Kerry pointed to “endless possibilities” in terms of setting up schools, hospitals, roads, energy grid and developing tourism.
However, the threat of climate change was “an enormous cloud” hanging over the world.
“Global climate change is violently affecting communities and disrupting commerce, development and economic growth around the world. It is costing farmers crops. It is costing insurance companies unbelievable payouts. If we continue down the current trendline, we will see climate refugees fighting for food and water.”
In the light of this situation, Mr. Kerry expressed hope that the Indo-US could ensure sustainable development and opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.
The choice of climate change offered “unprecedented number of plusses” and it was for us to make those choices.
“The solution to climate change is already here and that is a sustainable energy policy. The energy market is worth six trillion USD with four to five billion potential users who are set to grow to nine billion. This is the greatest market human beings have ever known,” Mr. Kerry said.
Highlighting America’s interest in partnering with India in the area of sustainable energy, Mr. Kerry pointed to Mr. Modi’s commitment to expanding India’s wind resources. “Together we can create a win-win opportunity for all.”
“India and the US have a common responsibility with country partners to prove that democracy can deliver for its citizens,” the US Secretary of State said.
