<div>US Secretary of State John Kerry called his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj after she took over the External Affairs Ministry and discussed re-energising of the Indo-US ties.</div><div> </div><div>Kerry called late last night and was the first among the international leaders to call Swaraj, an MEA spokesperson said today.</div><div> </div><div>During the call, focus was on enhancing trade and economic ties to USD 500 billion, the spokesperson said.</div><div> </div><div>Swaraj, on her part, emphasised on the importance India gives to strengthening the international partnership.</div><div> </div><div>She also briefed Kerry on India's engagement with the SAARC countries including Pakistan.</div><div> </div><div>Both are looking forward to meeting each other, the spokesperson said.</div><div> </div><div>Earlier in his message to the new Indian Prime Minister, Kerry had said that the Obama Administration is looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States.</div><div> </div><div>(Agencies)</div><div> </div>
