Clinton in India: Backs stronger counterterrorism cooperation

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Indian foreign minister S.M. Krishna pledged to expand counterterror cooperation and expedite implementation of landmark US-India civilian nuclear deal, the Times of India reports.

The July 13 bomb blasts in Mumbai figured very high in the discussions, the paper said.

Clinton arrived here on Monday night heading a 25-member delegation of US officials. Krishna mentioned the terror attack, in which 19 people have been killed, in his opening remarks at the delegation-level talks and said India appreciated the solidarity shown by her and the U.S. government, India's Hindu newspaper reported.

Clinton assured full U.S. support to New Delhi’s efforts to protect itself from terror attacks. “Before I go further, however, I want to express our sympathy and outrage over the terrorist attack in Mumbai last week. The U.S. condemns this attack in the strongest possible terms. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims," the paper quoted Clinton as saying.

“And we pledge our support to the Indian government, however we can in protecting its cities and citizens from future harm. We are allies in the fight against violent extremist networks. And homeland security is a high priority and a source of increasing partnership,” Clinton said.