'That will have significance in terms of our bilateral relationship and also significance in terms of being able to address regional challenges, global challenges,' he said. 'And we're very pleased to see India begin to step up and take a more significant role and addressing those challenges.'

In India, Clinton will have 'the opportunity to broaden an already significant partnership that has emerged between India and the United States,' he said noting, 'We have a number of common interests, common values, and a common stake in the future of the 21st century.'

In her discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna, she will address a number of issues, including security, non-proliferation, and climate change.

She will also try 'to find ways in her outreach to increase the interaction with the Indian people and try to see how we can harness the efforts of the private sector as well - engineers, entrepreneurs - to try to pursue these challenges that we face.'

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)