U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urged India to act on climate change, saying it is essential for the country's continued growth.
Kerry arrived in New Delhi Sunday after a stop in Qatar, where he met with a group of foreign ministers to discuss Syria.
Kerry, who spoke on the first day of a three-day visit, said he understood that India's "paramount commitment to development and eradicating poverty" is essential, but that a "collective failure" to meet the challenges of climate change could inhibit all countries' dreams of growth and development.
Kerry also said that as the world's largest democracy, India can play a critical role in supporting Afghanistan's 2014 elections by helping the government improve its electoral system and create a framework for resolving disputes.
U.S. officials say the United States wants greater access for its goods in Indian markets. New Delhi, for its part, wants a friendlier U.S. immigration policy that will make it easier for highly skilled Indian workers to enter the American job market. Analysts say issues related to patents are likely to be discussed as well.
Kerry is scheduled to meet with Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid before traveling to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Kerry arrived in New Delhi Sunday after a stop in Qatar, where he met with a group of foreign ministers to discuss Syria.
Kerry, who spoke on the first day of a three-day visit, said he understood that India's "paramount commitment to development and eradicating poverty" is essential, but that a "collective failure" to meet the challenges of climate change could inhibit all countries' dreams of growth and development.
Kerry also said that as the world's largest democracy, India can play a critical role in supporting Afghanistan's 2014 elections by helping the government improve its electoral system and create a framework for resolving disputes.
U.S. officials say the United States wants greater access for its goods in Indian markets. New Delhi, for its part, wants a friendlier U.S. immigration policy that will make it easier for highly skilled Indian workers to enter the American job market. Analysts say issues related to patents are likely to be discussed as well.
Kerry is scheduled to meet with Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid before traveling to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.