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Clinton arrives in New Delhi amid tight security

Sunday, July 19, 2009, NEW DELHI: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Sunday said that strategic partnership is required between India and US on issues like climate change.

Addressing a joint press conference, Hillary Clinton said that she expects Pakistan to take strong action against terrorism.

After winning over Mumbai with her charm, Clinton arrived in New Delhi on Sunday afternoon for talks with Indian government leaders to launch what she called a third phase in the India-US strategic partnership.

She was received at the airport by India's Ambassador to the US Meera Shankar and Gayatri Kumar, joint secretary in charge of the Americas in the external affairs ministry.

A slew of agreements, including pacts on an end-use monitoring agreement that will spur high-end arms sales between them and another pact on space launches, are expected to be signed on Monday. India is also likely to announce two sites for US nuclear reactors during Clinton's visit.

Soon after her arrival, Clinton headed to Gurgaon to visit ITC Green Centre Building that showcases environment-friendly practices in India.

The political business will start with Clinton's call on the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the evening.

Before political talks on Monday, Clinton goes to Delhi University - a trip aimed at giving the US' chief diplomat an insight into the thinking of young India. Over 90,000 Indian students study in the US.

Clinton will call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday afternoon and discuss with him a host of bilateral, regional and global issues.

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