Indo-US ties one of defining partnership of 21st century: Kerry

“This (India-US ties) will be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century, and the United States should continue to work with India to expand the vast areas of cooperation between our nations and our peoples,” Kerry said in a White House exit-memo  on State Department’s accomplishments over the eight years of Obama Administration. Similar documents by other Cabinet members have been written and released at the direction of outgoing President Barack Obama.

Under eight years of Obama Administration, the United States has 'deepened' its cooperation on commerce, defence, global health, counter-terrorism, education, medicine, cyber security, climate and much more with India, Kerry wrote. 

“As the world’s oldest democracy and the world’s largest democracy, the United States and India share common values that bind us together, and our relationship has evolved from one with great potential to one that is achieving great things for both countries and the world,” Kerry said. 

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, in the Defense Department memo, also highlighted the progress made in India-US relationship in the defence sector, noting that the Obama Administration established “closer ties” with India. During this period, India has been named “a Major Defense Partner” and has established the Defense Technology Trade Initiative, he wrote. 

In a letter, Obama writes that by so many measures, the US is stronger and more prosperous than it was when he started eight years ago. He described the current situation as one he is “proud to leave for my successor.”