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.

Kerry called late on Wednesday night and was the first among the international leaders to call Swaraj, an MEA spokesperson said on Thursday.

During the call, focus was on enhancing trade and economic ties to $500 billion, the spokesperson said.

Swaraj, on her part, emphasised on the importance India gives to strengthening the international partnership.

She also briefed Kerry on India's engagement with the SAARC countries including Pakistan.

Both are looking forward to meeting each other, the spokesperson said.

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.

Image: US Secretary of State John Kerry