Shared democratic values
First, shared democratic values: When you look at the sheer magnitude of India's diversity, traditions and people, you cannot help but appreciate the energy, sacrifice and persistence that were behind India creating the largest democracy in the world.
When the two largest democracies come together, we can have a powerful impact on people's lives, not only in our two countries, but we can provide a powerful example to other nations as well.
Shared prosperity
Second, shared prosperity will be a central focus of our commercial and trade relationships. All companies want the opportunity to compete on an open and level playing field, whether it is trade in food and agricultural products or solar panels. In that spirit, Prime Minister Modi and President Obama, in their joint statement, affirmed their shared commitment to facilitating increased bilateral investment and fostering an open and predictable climate for investment. As our trade, technology, manufacturing and investment linkages between us become stronger, we will not forget our commitment to maintain labour standards in accordance with domestic law and international norms.
And what is our ultimate goal? It is recognising that more important than the fivefold growth to $100 billion per year in bilateral trade and investment; or the breakthrough WTO deals; or adding hundreds of billions of dollars to the global economy; is what all of this means for the living standards and economic well-being of average citizens and their children. We move forward with our eye on the prize; to creating opportunities for all of our people - from the street cleaner who dreams of owning a business to the student on a scholarship in Bengaluru who dreams of becoming the next big software developer, to the kids in front of the White House who dream of making the world a better place.
To this end, together we are committed to explore areas of collaboration in skill development ranging from partnerships between American skills building institutions - community colleges - and their Indian counterparts, establishing skills certification standards, nurturing and promoting social entrepreneurship and strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Shared inclusion
Third, shared inclusion: Our nations are also strongest when we reinforce the central role of robust civil society and government engagement to advance shared goals of peace, prosperity and the well-being of all people. To put it simply, a strong civil society reminds us of why it is we are doing what we are doing, and for whom we are doing it.
One of the most enjoyable parts of my job will be to meet India's dynamic civil society leaders who are working with government to create inspirational change all over India, like women's empowerment pioneer Meenu Vadera, who is working with the government to break down barriers for women in traditionally male-dominated professions - specifically in the transportation sector - and as a result, helping women become financially independent decision-makers in their families and in society. Through her women-operated "Cabs for Women", she is also addressing one of society's most pressing challenges -women's and girls' safety - a theme the prime minister also prominently addressed in his Independence Day remarks.
Shared regional vision
Fourth, our shared regional vision: Expanding on that regional theme, the work we do and successes we achieve in India on all of these issues will also create an opportunity for leadership in the region. We recognise that with more than two-thirds of the world's humanity, Asia is and will be the centre of gravity for a long time to come. It's important, therefore, to simultaneously focus on a strategic regional convergence of our shared democratic values.
This was the idea behind the president's and prime minister's Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. It is a vision borne out of the recognition that India's Act East policy and our rebalance to Asia are complementary and have the potential to create meaningful impact in the region. But this should not be seen as a strategy that is confrontational to our relationship with China. On the contrary, as our new National Security Strategy outlines, we welcome a stable, peaceful and prosperous China and a constructive relationship that also promotes security and prosperity in Asia and around the world.
We look forward to cooperation on a wide range of issues; from implementing a global health security agenda, to enhancing connectivity and enabling the freer flow of commerce and energy in the region.
At the same time, we will continue to work with both India and Pakistan to promote dialogue, combat terrorism and advance regional economic integration in south and central Asia. This includes Afghanistan, where both India and Pakistan are key partners in that country's future.
Finally, I would like to think my story - that of an American of Indian descent - can also serve as a bridge between our two countries. My parents arrived in the United States in the 1960s with only a few belongings and even fewer dollars. Thanks to their perseverance and resilience, and with a lot of help from friends and neighbours, they raised five children. My personal story is an American story. And just like many of you, the story of President Obama and Prime Minister Modi standing outside the White House so long ago is one to which I can easily relate. Like them, I never imagined I would be in this position today.
Edited excerpt from US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma's address to the Asia Society in Mumbai, 10 February 2015