New Delhi
17 July 2009
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has found a supporting voice in Hillary Clinton,
who is impressed with him for talking to the leaders of Pakistan. Clinton's endorsement
stands out in start contrast to the hostile reception the Prime Minister has received from
Opposition political parties and a section of former Indian diplomats, who accuse him of
giving major concessions to Pakistan in return for modest gains.
The United States secretary of state, who arrived in Mumbai Friday night, said in a pre-
recorded interview to CNN-IBN television channel that the US is supportive of the Prime
Minister's actions that might further peace between the two South Asian nuclear-armed
neighbours.
Clinton said: "I am very impressed with Prime Minister Singh meeting both President
Zardari and now with Prime Minister Gilani of Pakistan .... I really see [the relations
going] in a very positive direction between India and Pakistan". She denied any
American pressure on India to return to the dialogue table with Pakistan.
"This dialogue between India and Pakistan is certainly one that could only be pursued
with the agreement and commitment of the two countries and the leaders, but of course
United States is very supportive with steps that India might take towards any agreement
that India and Pakistan might reach," she elaborated.
US Ambassador-designate to India Timothy Roemer arrived here Thursday and met
Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon Friday. The meeting was described as a courtesy
call. Until recently Roemer was president of the Centre for National Policy, a
Washington-based think-tank. He was expected to present his credentials to President
Pratibha Devisingh Patil in the coming weeks.
In the interview, Clinton reiterated President Barack Obama's commitment to the India-
US civil nuclear agreement. "Well of course we are committed to the civil nuclear
agreement that was signed during the Bush Administration. I hope to have some
announcements about the continuing implementation of that agreement when I arrive in
India", she said.
Clinton wanted to hear from the Indian leaders what they believe would be a useful step
that both countries could mutually pursue in order to prevent nuclear material falling into
the wrong hands.
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