Pakistan, terrorism to figure in Hillary-Krishna talks

New Delhi, Jul 19 (PTI) India and the US are expected to
launch a new chapter in the strategic partnership Monday when
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton holds talks with External
Affairs Minister S M Krishna during which Pakistan and
terrorism are likely to figure prominently.

Clinton, who arrived in Mumbai on Thursday on her first
trip to India as head of the State Department, reached Delhi
this afternoon. She will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
and hold discussions with Krishna Monday.

She will have detailed discussions with Krishna during
which the two sides are expected to look at ways in which the
strategic ties could be taken to a new plane.

A few pacts, including the End User Verification
agreement in defence field, under which the US would be able
to supply sensitive military equipment, are expected to be
signed after the discussions.

Negotiations for the agreement have been going on for
over a year but the two sides have been unable to finalise it
due to India's reservations to online inspection by the US.

India and the US are expected to review the steps taken
by Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of Mumbai
terror attacks, and would discuss climate change and the
global economic crisis.

New Delhi is also expected to register its opposition to
US aid to Pakistan, citing its apprehensions that it is not
used for the intended purpose but diverted to other activities
that hurt India.

In the civil nuclear field, the two sides which are in
negotiations for setting up of two nuclear plants in India,
will discuss ways to implement the landmark agreement.

New Delhi and Washington are also expected to discuss
ways to step up military cooperation, including joint
exercises.

Krishna and Clinton will also discuss the global economic
crisis and cooperative ways to deal with the problem.

The issue of climate change will figure in the talks.

Clinton arrived here from Mumbai where she interacted
with the leaders of Indian industry, members of a self
employed women's association and also paid tributes to the
victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the Taj Hotel. PTI
PYK
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