India can play important role in the region and world: US

Hours before secretary of state Hillary Clinton left Washington on her maiden visit to India, the US said New Delhi can play a very constructive role not only in the region, but also as a global player.
    
"We want to truly look forward, and look at this relationship as something that can be very constructive in the kind of role that India can play not just in the region, but as a global player too," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters.

The trip to Mumbai and New Delhi, he said is an indication that secretary Clinton and the Administration in general places on the US relationship with India -- the world's largest democracy. "Most of the focus would be on bilateral relationship and partnership," he said.

Kelly said Clinton is genuinely excited about this trip and is really looking forward to spend a lot of time in India -- three full days.

"We hope to conclude some bilateral agreements. Secretary Clinton for the first two days it is going to be people to people interaction, which she of course enjoys very much and gives a lot of importance," he said.
    
Terming the Mumbai terrorist attack as horrific incident, Kelly said Clinton would be paying tribute to the people who suffered this attack by commemorating the event.

The US is hopeful of signing a few agreements with India during the trip, he said.