Clinton concludes India visit, heads for Indonesia

Chennai: US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Thursday left for Indonesia from here after a three-day visit to India during which she discussed with Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the growing and expanding relations between the two countries.

Clinton, who was in India for the second India-US Strategic Dialogue, discussed with external affairs minister SM Krishna matters relating to terrorism, nuclear cooperation, situation in Afghanistan and a host of other key issues.

After her talks, the US Secretary also sent out a tough message to Pakistan and asked it not to give "safe havens and free pass" to terrorists and pledged support to India in protecting its cities in the backdrop of last week`s Mumbai terror attacks.

On another key issue of Indo-US civil nuclear agreement, Clinton said the US was "fully" committed to the pact with India but asked it to ratify the UN convention on nuclear damages and bring its domestic liability regime in line with international norms.

Her programme also covered a visit to Chennai, the first by a serving US Secretary of State, during which she addressed students, opinion makers and other prominent citizens and favoured a "more assertive" role by India across Asia-Pacific by seizing emerging opportunities.

Clinton also met Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa, addressed a Working Women Forum and witnessed cultural programme organised by the Kalakshetra.