New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): Congratulating John Kerry on his becoming the new US Secretary of State, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid Thursday said that India-US ties had grown over the years and was confident that the partnership would continue to strengthen under his leadership.

In a letter, Khurshid said that over the last four years, "India and the US have developed a broad agenda of cooperation covering a vast array of collaborative pursuits. These efforts reaffirm our shared conviction that we have a fundamental stake in each other's success".

"We are confident that with your leadership of the department of state, we will continue to strengthen our partnership, not only for the development and prosperity of our two peoples but also as a pillar of stability amidst the many global and regional challenges confronting us.

"We have much more to achieve together, and I look forward to working closely with you as our countries continue to intensity our partnership."

He said he hoped to welcome Kerry to the next round of India-US Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi later this year.