Clinton Hails India's Leadership, Discusses Arms Agreements

[Coventina]

Source: Washington Post

NEW DELHI, July 20 -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday hailed India as "a global leader for the 21st century" in a public speech that took place hours before the United States and India hope to announce new agreements on arms and nuclear plants and a new high-level dialogue.

Speaking to about 700 people at Delhi University, Clinton reviewed her three-day tour here, noting she hoped "my trip to India has conveyed that we are interested in diplomacy that goes beyond government."

The top U.S. diplomat also invited Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington for a state visit Nov. 24; it will be the first state visit hosted by President Obama, aides said.

In India, Clinton has met with business leaders in commercial capital of Mumbai, talked to poor female weavers, toured an environmentally friendly building, visited a farm to learn about new crop techniques and joined a televised discussion of education policy.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/20/AR2009072000630.html?hpid=moreheadlines