Clinton concludes India visit, heads for Indonesia

Chennai, Jul 21 (PTI) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
on Thursday left for Indonesia from here after a three-day
visit to India during which she discussed with Indian
leadership, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the
growing and expanding relations between the two countries.
Clinton, who was in India for the second India-US Strategic
Dialogue, discussed with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna
matters relating to terrorism, nuclear cooperation, situation
in Afghanistan and a host of other key issues.
After her talks, the US Secretary also sent out a tough
message to Pakistan and asked it not to give "safe havens and
free pass" to terrorists and pledged support to India in
protecting its cities in the backdrop of last week's Mumbai
terror attacks.
On another key issue of Indo-US civil nuclear agreement,
Clinton said the US was "fully" committed to the pact with
India but asked it to ratify the UN convention on nuclear
damages and bring its domestic liability regime in line with
international norms.
Her programme also covered a visit to Chennai, the first
by a serving US Secretary of State, during which she addressed
students, opinion makers and other prominent citizens and
favoured a "more assertive" role by India across Asia-Pacific
by seizing emerging opportunities.
Clinton also met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa,
addressed a Working Women Forum and witnessed cultural
programme organised by the Kalakshetra.