US State Department's John Kirby said that Secretary John Kerry had a 'terrific time' in India.
Despite being stuck in traffic, and having had to cancel engagements due to rain, US Secretary of State John Kerry had a "terrific time in India" over the last few days according to the US State Department.
"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 diplomatic row out of the fact that some of the meetings didn't start on time." State Department spokesman John Kirby said.
He said that despite being delayed for events and having to cancel few meetings due to inclement weather, Mr Kerry had a "terrific couple of days" in New Delhi. Mr Kirby made light of the delays saying that many meetings at the State Department often didn't start on time, even when there was no rain.
"I was late for the briefing, and it wasn't even weather-related. But look, it has been a great couple of days. Mr Kerry was very glad to be able to be in New Delhi and have these discussions and we look forward to continuing that deep relationship is going forward," Mr Kirby said.
While addressing students at the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi, the US Secretary of State who was delayed because of the rain, had jokingly remarked that the students must have required boats to get to the venue.
"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," Mr Kirby 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," he added,
Over the last week, heavy rains in Delhi caused water-logging on the streets and massive traffic jams.