Mumbai, July 18 - Declaring that 'we are entering a promising new era with India', US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held an 'exciting and fruitful meeting' with Indian corporate honchos over breakfast after signing a condolence book at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel here as she began her first visit to India after assuming office.

'We are entering a promising new era with India,' Clinton, dressed in a bright red business suit, told reporters after the breakfast meeting that was attended, among others, by Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Swati Piramal, Sudha Murthy, Chanda Kochhar and Adi Godrej.

'I had an exciting and fruitful meeting with business leaders. We discussed the approach to (the current) economic crisis,' Clinton added.

Earlier, Clinton participated in a commemorative event for the 26/11 victims at the Taj hotel, which was badly damaged during the Nov 26-29, 2008 terror attack on India's financial capital that claimed over 170 lives, including those of 26 foreigners.

She also briefly interacted with the staff of the Taj, as also of the Trident-Oberoi hotel that was attacked during the carnage.

'I was deeply touched to meet the staff of Taj and Oberoi,' Clinton said.