Kerry is scheduled arrive here on June 24 and is expected to discuss economic issues and the global situation as part of the India-US Strategic Dialogue, according to sources.

Beginning with Namaskar in his five-minute video message Kerry said : 'It's one that demonstrates our firm belief that a strong India is in America's national interest. The United States not only welcomes India as a rising power, we fervently support it.' .

He said it is safe to say that India-US collaboration has never been more important than it is today.

He said the US and India share a strong and enduring commitment to Afghanistan's peace and prosperity.

“As (the US) President Obama has said, the friendship between our two nations is one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century,' Kerry said.

'That's why President Obama (Barack) and I support India's inclusion as a member, a permanent member, of a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council (UNSC),' he said.

Kerry is expected to visit some of 'extraordinary historic sites' and is eager to meet with the next generation of Indian leaders.

'Today, the US and India collaborate closely in almost every field of human endeavour. Together, we are tackling shared challenges and making the most of new opportunities.

From higher education to clean energy, from counter-terrorism to space science, we are seizing new opportunities to work together, and in doing so, we're increasing
the prosperity and security of both of our peoples,' he said.

'India is making important contributions through its reconstruction and development work. And we also welcome India's leadership in the Asia-Pacific region,' Kerry said.

He called for US-India partnership to realise the full potential and both the countries should work to take this relationship to a higher level and strengthen existing the bonds