In the first meeting of the United States Secretary of State John Kerry with newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both countries take a step closer to achieving President Barack Obama's vision of a "defining" partnership.

"The moment has never been more ripe to deliver on the incredible possibilities in the relationship between our two nations," Kerry shared in a news conference following the annual Strategic Dialogue meeting in New Delhi.

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Kerry echoed Obama's 2010 sentiments and reiterated that, "The United States and India can and should be indispensable partners in the 21st century."

Reports claim that the Obama administration perceives India as a key strategic counter-balance in Asia, which can provide advantageous support in building defenses against an increasingly aggressive China.

Among the economic and business concerns involved in the discussions, Kerry emphasized the need to eradicate barriers to trade, subsidies and protectionism in India. He believes that eliminating these obstacles could boost India's potential and result in unhindered progress for the countries.

Both countries also specified particular areas in India's manufacturing and infrastructure sectors to be promoted for investment.

India Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj reinforced Kerry's statements by saying that both countries have reached "an important turning point". She also confirmed that India shares the "converging long-term strategic interests" of the U.S.

In the news conference held after the dialogue, Swaraj shared India's eagerness to welcome increased U.S. commercial participation in the country.

One of the steps agreed upon by the countries is to empower the India-U.S. CEO Forum. In addition, expanding the Commercial Dialogue was part of the plans both countires agreed upon. These efforts aim to boost India's business environment.

She also divulged the country's enthusiasm in receiving more extensive defense cooperation from the U.S.

Apart from Obama's objectives, the agreements made by the two countries also reflect Modi's vision of 'Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas'.

A joint statement released after the conference disclosed that both countries consented on raised foreign investment ceilings in several sectors of the Indian economy, including defense, railways, e-commerce, and insurance.

Despite these optimistic declarations, however, trade issues and surveillance accusations between the two countries remain unresolved.

In fact, strained comments during the conference hinted on probable lingering tension between the two countries.

For instance, although Kerry commended Modi's commitment to economic reform, the state secretary made clear his reservations on the commitment.

"We are waiting to see - the proof is always in the pudding," Kerry clarified.

TagsJohn Kerry, Barack Obama, New Delhi, strategic dialogue, Sushma Swaraj, Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas, bilateral ties