Despite the confusion over the US' stand on re-processing, specially in the context of the Obama administration's renewed activism over non-proliferation issue, the two sides are expected to hold their first negotiations on reprocessing early August.

India is not deeply concerned (over the G8 stand) as it had received a country-specific clean waiver from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee told parliament Monday.

Besides, the US will not like to jeopardise its chances of doing nuclear business with India by reneging on its commitment on re-processing, a crucial part of the nuclear promise made to India by the US in the 123 bilateral agreement, the source said.

Nuclear cooperation apart, Clinton's visit will focus on forging 'an enhanced US-India strategic partnership' offering solutions to the challenges of 21st century.

With Krishna, she 'will discuss the structure and elements of an enhanced US-India strategic partnership that will enable us to advance solutions to the defining challenges of our time and to enhance global prosperity and stability in the 21st century', US State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters in Washington Tuesday.

Kelly, who will be part of the US team, said Clinton had no plans of stopping by or visiting Afghanistan and Pakistan during her trip. 'I'm sure that she will visit Afghanistan and Pakistan, but not on this visit. It's just to India and Thailand,' he said.

Clinton had outlined her vision of India-US strategic partnership under the Obama administration in a speech she gave at the US-India Business Council's (USIBC) Synergies Summit in Washington last month.

Calling India one of the few nations the new Obama administration saw as a global partner, she had vowed to usher in a new era of relations with India with a 'dramatic expansion in our common agenda and a greater role for India, in solving global challenges.'

'We see India as one of a few key partners worldwide who will help us shape the 21st century,' she declared.