John Kerry meets PM Modi, discusses Indo-US ties

Days ahead of US President Barack Obama's India visit, Secretary of State John Kerry met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and discussed "ties between the world's oldest and largest democracies" with regard to economic growth and climate issues, among others.

Kerry, who attended the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Ahmedabad and lauded Modi for his 'Make in India' and other initiatives, later tweeted that he held a "good" meeting with the Indian Prime Minister regarding ties between the US and India, their economic growth and the upcoming visit of the US President.

Kerry said he also went for a "moving visit to Gandhi Ashram" earlier in the day and participated in a discussion with "dynamic Indian women" regarding furthering economic opportunity and empowerment. He was accompanied by Nisha Biswal, the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, among other senior US officials. Biswal, who hails from Ahmedabad, also tweeted that it was "wonderful to be back in Ahmedabad, where I lived as a child, with my boss John Kerry".

"Welcome Nisha Biswal back to her childhood home!" Kerry said.

Kerry said his visit is focused on US-India economic growth and investment.

Obama would be the first US President to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Obama, who had visited India in 2010, would also be the first US President to visit the country twice while in office.