If confirmed, Roemer will be representing US at an exciting and potentially pivotal moment in US-India relations, he said 'the Obama administration has a genuine opportunity to forge a true strategic US-India partnership, not as a threat or counterweight against any other nation but based on shared interests and shared values.'

'If we get this right, it will benefit not only our nations but also the region and the world. There are many areas where we can make real progress,' Kerry said.

He and several other senators had supported a civilian-nuclear deal with India, in part because it will help India grow its economy with clean energy, he said. 'I hope this will now open the door to greater cooperation on non-proliferation.'

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Kerry said, 'will be carrying a message of friendship, to India, during her visit later this month to engage with India's newly re-elected leadership.'