Reaffirming Obama administration's commitment in strengthening the Indo-US ties, Clinton said in a "world of depressing headline, US relationship with India is a good news."
Looking forward to her visit to India next month, Clinton, in her first policy speech on India after assuming office, said, "We see India as one of a few key partners worldwide who will help us shape the 21st century -- the forces of positive change versus those of destruction, the forces that move people forward rather than holding them back. We are both eager to build on this relationship."
Addressing top American and Indian corporate executives at the US Chamber of Commerce building, Clinton said there is a "deep commitment to building stronger ties with India, a commitment based on mutual respect and mutual interests."
President Obama also thinks the same way, she said. "...today, I can tell you, my hope and President Obama's hope, that the next stage in our countries' relationship will see a dramatic expansion in our common agenda and a greater role for India, in solving global challenges," Clinton said.
Clinton said to achieve the goal of stronger ties between India and the US "we will have to confront and transcend the mistrust that has hampered our cooperation in the past, and address the lingering uncertainties in our relationship still today."
"We recognise the extraordinary progress that India has made already. And we know that many of these advances have not come easily. And we don't take them for granted. As we pursue an enhanced bilateral partnership, we should recognise that compared to other metrics of our cooperation, our official ties are past due for an upgrade," she said.
The Secretary of State hoped that an expanded partnership between the US and India will be one of the signature accomplishments of new governments in both the countries.
"I do plan to make that a personal priority," she said. Clinton said India is now ready for bigger role at the international level and international institutions.
"India already is a major player on the world stage, and we will look to cooperate with New Delhi as it shoulders the responsibilities that accompany its new position of global leadership," Clinton said.
"As India and other nations play an expanded role in resolving international security challenges, we should be prepared to adapt the architecture of international institutions to reflect their new responsibilities," she said.
