Hillary Clinton calls up SM Krishna, talks Afghanistan, bilateral issues

India and the US today discussed the status of various initiatives announced during the visit of President Barack Obama a month ago, apart from deliberating on the situation in Afghanistan.

US secretary of state Hillary Clinton called external affairs minister SM Krishna and had a nearly 40-minute discussion during which both reviewed the situation in the region, including in Afghanistan.

Both sides also talked about the steps to be taken to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries as envisaged by Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the US president's visit to India in November. They exchanged their views on taking forward the initiatives announced during Obama's tour.

Krishna also invited Clinton to visit India for the second round of the strategic dialogue, dates for which will be decided through diplomatic channels, MEA officials said.

The first round of the strategic dialogue was held in the US in June this year.

Separately, US under secretary for political affairs William Burns had a telephonic conversation with foreign secretary Nirupama Rao on various bilateral issues and regional matters of mutual importance.

Krishna also expressed his condolence over the demise of US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke.

Krishna and Clinton conveyed season's greetings to each other.