At a fundraising dinner August 30 hosted by Indian Americans at Royal Albert's Palace in Fords, New Jersey, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton promised to bring back troops from Iraq if elected President. Iraqis should decide on their own destiny, she said.

Her suggestions were greeted with applause from the 250-strong audience, which consisted of several doctors, businessmen and activists.

The event, which raised $200,000, was hosted by businessman Prakash Shah.

This is the fourth fundraiser for Clinton organised by Shah, who has collected $500,000 so far for the campaign.

Clinton paid homage at the huge statue of India's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in front of the hotel. In her speech also she mentioned Patel's contribution in unifying and strengthening India. "I too want to do that for America," she said.

Though the United States is the oldest democracy, it is behind India in electing a woman to higher office, she noted. "A woman was prime minister and another woman is the President of India now," she pointed out. "I think we can catch up with India," she said to applause.

She lauded the election process in India. "I watched the election in India. It was conducted without any glitch. I think we can get some guidance from India to conduct elections with integrity," she said.

America's relations with Pakistan should not affect ties with India, she said. She noted the need to stabilise Afghanistan. The Taliban and terrorists are still strong in Afghanistan and Pakistan; it is dangerous for the region and the world, she noted.

She said Iran does not play by the rule book, unlike China. "We have to work together to deal with Iran," she said. She noted that China has rules and set standards.

America needs leaders who lead by their personal example, she said. "Gandhi did not command any army. But he inspired the people."

She asked Indian Americans to take the rightful place in the American political stage and thanked the community for its generosity and support.

She said she wants to start a new chapter for America from January 2008, when the new President takes charge.

"Six years ago the budget was surplus. But it was squandered. The moral authority and leadership in international affairs were also squandered," she said. "I will address the domestic problems. I will also reach out to people outside of the country."