India-U.S. partnership has evolved in its ways of addressing developmental challenges: Richard Verma

U.S. Ambassador to India Richard R. Verma on Thursday said that just as the relationship between India and the U.S. has evolved, so has the way the two countries address development challenges.

"Just as the U.S. - India relationship has evolved, so has the way we address development challenges together. In the 1960s we worked together to achieve food security during the Green Revolution. Today, our approach is defined by partnerships," said Verma.

"Partnerships not only between our governments, but partnerships between governments and innovators, social entrepreneurs, and impact investors. Our development partnerships include triangular assistance," he said.

"India, the United States, and our partners work together to assist developing countries in Asia and Africa as they address their own development challenges. Triangular efforts showcase Indian leadership and know-how while contributing to stability and prosperity," he added.

He further said that India-U.S. partnership has evolved through the years from one rooted in shared strategic priorities to one that is driven by the innovation.

"On the walls of my home at the embassy are a number of inspiring photographs that represent India and the United States. One of my favorites is the one of President Kennedy meeting Prime Minister Nehru in 1961. In the last several months, a new Indian Prime Minister has met another American President, twice," Verma said.

"Their meetings underscored the global benefits our growing partnership can bring about. It is a partnership that has evolved through the years from one rooted in shared strategic priorities, to one that is driven by the innovation, knowledge, creativity, and drive of our peoples," he added.

The U.S. Ambassador to India further said that the U.S. Government is partnering with India's Ministry of Urban Development, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and leading Indian and multinational corporates to support Prime Minister Modi's Swachh Bharat Clean India Campaign.

"We are also working with many partners on improving water and sanitation conditions. Globally, two and a half billion people lack access to improved sanitation. 780 million people still do not have access to safe drinking water. Lack of access to clean water and sanitation services in urban areas is a direct contributor to hundreds of thousands of child deaths annually, as well as many other preventable sicknesses," said Verma.

"According to India's 2011 census, there are 65 million Indians living in urban informal or slum settlements with inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services. The U.S. Government is partnering with India's Ministry of Urban Development, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and leading Indian and multinational corporates to support Prime Minister Modi's Swachh Bharat Clean India Campaign which aims to provide clean water and sanitation services to all," he said.

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"India has made impressive progress in the health sector over the past two decades. Notably, it has reduced maternal and child mortality rates by more than half. USAID is helping to build on this progress by working with DASRA, Piramal Foundation, and Kaiwah Trust to bring together philanthropists and social entrepreneurs in an effort to save the lives of one million more adolescent girls, mothers, and children. Programs like these put the goal of ending preventable child and maternal deaths within reach," he added.

Furthermore, he said that the two countries are working together in novel ways to balance growing energy needs.

"We are also working together in novel ways to balance growing energy needs with the realities of climate change. Introducing renewable energy solutions into peoples' lives in ways that also build incomes and empower people is one key to finding this balance," said Verma.

"For instance, a program called the Partnership on Women's Entrepreneurship in Clean Energy, wPOWER, is a good example of how India and the United States are partnering with innovators like you to change lives. wPower teaches women entrepreneurs about small renewable energy products that can be used in the home. These women then go out and sell the products to their peers, increasing their incomes, building skills, and introducing renewable energy into their communities," he said.

"I started with President Kennedy, and now I'll end with President Obama. At Siri Fort in January, President Obama emphasized the importance of recognizing that everyone's dreams - whether a cleaner, a rickshaw driver, or a little girl carrying water - everyone's dreams are important and beautiful. It is up to us - the people who are fortunate enough to live in countries where the grandson of a cook can become President, and the son of a tea-seller can become Prime Minister - to find ways to help people turn those dreams into realities. We can do so by continuing to develop, to innovate, and to partner together," he added.