PM, Clinton discuss economic ties, security

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton discussed a range of issues including civil nuclear ties, terrorism, the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Western embargo on Iran and security in general today, on the last day of her India visit today.

Clinton, who is here on the last leg of her three-nation Asia tour, called on Singh at his Race Course Road residence.

The two also discussed ways to enhance economic ties and Singh is reported to have outlined the opportunities in the infrastructure sector where India is desperately seeking foreign investment.

Clinton also conveyed her country's expectations on the opening up of foreign direct investment in retail as well further economic reforms by Indian government.

The US has been urging India and other countries to slash oil imports from Iran to step up pressure on Tehran and make it comply with Western demands over its nuclear programme. Clinton had, earlier in the day, asked New Delhi to do more on this front.

Singh and Clinton also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and ways to sustain development and stability in the war-torn country after Western troops withdraw by 2014.

Clinton, who had started her three-nation Asia trip with a visit to China to attend US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, briefed Singh about her "perceptions" of that country, reports said.