INDIA: US Secretary of state, John F Kerry says Washington relies on India's 'central role' in Afghanistan's 2014 elections for warding off disputes in the war-torn nation

Record ID: 1375104

  • Title: INDIA: US Secretary of state, John F Kerry says Washington relies on India's 'central role' in Afghanistan's 2014 elections for warding off disputes in the war-torn nation
  • Date: 23rd June 2013
  • Summary: NEW DELHI, INDIA (JUNE 23, 2013) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) CONFERENCE HALL US SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN F KERRY STANDING ON STAGE (SOUNDBITE) (English) US SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN F KERRY, SAYING: "The world's largest democracy can play a central role in helping the government of Afghanistan improve its electoral system and create a credible and independent framework for resolving disputes." A BANNER READING, 'U.S.-INDIA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP' (SOUNDBITE) (English) US SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN F KERRY, SAYING: "The United States continues to support India's membership with these groups as well as an extended United Nations Security Council, with India as a permanent member." (SOUNDBITE) (English) US SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN F KERRY, SAYING: "If India and Pakistan can confidently invest in each other, then (the) rest of the world confidently (can) invest in you (India). I know there is a lot of history to the relationship between India and Pakistan, so I am not knave about some of difficulties... Particularly after talking to leaders of both nations; however, I believe that a new dynamic is beginning to emerge and that it can develop further. Prime Minister Sharif has stated clearly that his chief goal is his country's economic revival." KERRY WAVING AT THE AUDIENCE KERRY LEAVING THE STAGE
  • Embargoed: 8th July 2013 21:14
  • Keywords:
  • Location: India
  • Country: India
  • Topics: International Relations,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA3VIYXK0TTPPJBGIGGOOV5UKMR
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: The US Secretary of State, John Kerry said in New Delhi on Sunday (June 23) that India was an important partner to Afghanistan as it prepares for elections next year.
    In his keynote address at a seminar in New delhi on the US-India Strategic Partnership he said India had a central role to play.

    "The world's largest democracy can play a central role in helping the government of Afghanistan improve its electoral system and create a credible and independent framework for resolving disputes," Kerry said He also acknowledged India's backing of an initiative to build a multi-billion dollar network of roads, railways and gas pipelines - the New Silk Road - linking the resource-rich central Asia with the continent's fast-growing economies.
    He said that it would greatly benefit all countries, including Afghanistan.
    Afghanistan is due to hold presidential elections on April 5, 2014 when the incumbent Hamid Karzai is due to step down and the US is preparing to drawdown in Afghanistan.
    This would allow the US-led NATO to withdraw the majority of troops and wind down an engagement launched after the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001 that has cost hundreds of billions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives.
    Kerry also said the US supported India's desire to become a permanent member on the UN Security Council.

    "The United States continues to support India's membership with these groups as well as an extended United Nations Security Council, with India as a permanent member," added Kerry.
    On trade Kerry urged India to invest in relations with neighbouring Pakistan to promote stability in the region.

    "If India and Pakistan can confidently invest in each other, then (the) rest of the world confidently (can) invest in you (India). I know there is a lot of history to the relationship between India and Pakistan, so I am not knave about some of difficulties... Particularly after talking to leaders of both nations; however, I believe that a new dynamic is beginning to emerge and that it can develop further. Prime Minister Sharif has stated clearly that his chief goal is his country's economic revival," said John F Kerry, US Secretary of State.
    Kerry is on a three day visit to India.
  • Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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