India and the US are expected to launch a new chapter in the strategic partnership tomorrow when secretary of State Hillary Clinton holds talks with external affairs minister SM Krishna during which Pakistan and terrorism are likely to figure prominently.
Clinton, who arrived in Mumbai on Thursday on her first trip to India as head of the State Department, reached Delhi this afternoon. She will meet prime minister Manmohan Singh, and hold discussions with Krishna, tomorrow.
She will have detailed discussions with Krishna during which the two sides are expected to look at ways in which the strategic ties could be taken to a new plane.
A few pacts, including the End User Verification agreement in defence field, under which the US would be able to supply sensitive military equipment, are expected to be signed after the discussions.
Negotiations for the agreement have been going on for over a year but the two sides have been unable to finalise it due to India's reservations to online inspection by the US.
India and the US are expected to review the steps taken by Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of Mumbai terror attacks, and would discuss climate change and the global economic crisis.
New Delhi is also expected to register its opposition to US aid to Pakistan, citing its apprehensions that it is not used for the intended purpose but diverted to other activities that hurt India.
In the civil nuclear field, the two sides which are in negotiations for setting up of two nuclear plants in India, will discuss ways to implement the landmark agreement.
New Delhi and Washington are also expected to discuss ways to step up military cooperation, including joint exercises.
Krishna and Clinton will also discuss the global economic crisis and cooperative ways to deal with the problem.
The issue of climate change will figure in the talks.
Clinton arrived here from Mumbai where she interacted with the leaders of Indian industry, members of a self employed women's association and also paid tributes to the victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks at the Taj Hotel.
