John Kerry had a ‘terrific’ time in India despite Delhi rains, traffic: Kirby

Despite being stuck in New Delhi’s traffic and cancelling engagements due to heavy downpour, US secretary of state John Kerry had a “terrific” time in India over the last few days, his spokesperson said.

Despite being stuck in New Delhi’s traffic and cancelling engagements due to heavy downpour, US secretary of state John Kerry had a “terrific” time in India over the last few days, his spokesperson said.

US secretary of state John Kerry interacts with students at the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

“The Secretary was very grateful for the support, courtesy and the time that he was afforded by Indian leaders over the last two days. I am a little befuddled that you want to make a diplomatic row out of the fact that some of the meetings didn’t start on time,” State Department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference on Wednesday.

Kerry, he said, has had a “terrific couple of days” in India.

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Responding to a question on Kerry getting delayed for events and having to cancel visits to religious sites due to inclement weather, Kirby pointed out that many meetings at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department, including his daily news conference does not start on time even when there is no rain.

“There were some delays because of rain, and not even the Prime Minister, who we have great respect for, can do much about that. It’s weather, and that it caused some delays I think would be expected,” he said.

“As I understand from talking to Mark (Toner), my deputy, who is out there, this wasn’t just a sprinkle. This was pretty significant rain, right up to the top of the tires on the cars.”

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