Ready to work closely with Modi to boost strategic ties: Kerry

Asserting that its friendship with India is ‘absolutely vital’, the US on Tuesday said it is ready to work ‘closely’ with the Narandra Modi-led new government to strengthen strategic ties and security.

‘The United States stands ready to work closely with prime minister Modi and the new government to promote shared prosperity and strengthen our security,’ secretary of state John Kerry said.

‘The friendship between the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy is absolutely vital and the United States is deeply invested in our strategic relationship. We look forward to strengthening our partnership based on common values, shared democratic traditions and the binding ties between our peoples,’ he said in a statement.

Kerry’s statement came hours after Modi was invited by President Pranab Mukherjee to be sworn-in as the prime minister on 26 May.

Kerry offered his congratulations to the BJP on its resounding victory in historic Lok Sabha polls and to Narendra Modi on his election as the prime minister of the country. 

‘I also extend warm congratulations to all the newly elected parliamentarians,’ Kerry said.