U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday pledged to work for a “dramatic expansion” in relations with India, calling it one of the few countries the Obama administration sees as a global partner. Speaking to the U.S.-India Business Council in Washington, Clinton confirmed she would travel to India next month to improve ties between the world's two biggest democracies. “We see India as one of a few key partners worldwide who will help us shape the 21st century,” she said. Clinton said she and President Barack Obama seek “a dramatic expansion in our common agenda and a greater role for India in solving global challenges.” Noting the recent re-election of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Clinton said “I hope that an expanded partnership between the U.S. and India will be one of the signature accomplishments of both new governments in both countries, and I do plan to make that a personal priority.” Clinton listed climate change, Afghanistan, and science as areas for new bilateral cooperation. She said the United States hoped to start negotiations on an investment treaty with India. Bilateral trade has doubled from 2004 to more than $43 billion per year. The top U.S. diplomat also called for greater counter-terrorism cooperation between the United States, India, and Pakistan. She welcomed this week's meeting in Russia of the leaders of India and Pakistan—the first since last November's terrorist attacks in Mumbai.
