Clinton urges India take leadership role in Asia

Jul 20, 2011, 12:24 GMT

New Delhi - India needs to expand its influence in the East Asia-Pacific region and upgrade its engagement with Central Asia, said US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton Wednesday as she outlined Washington's vision for India.

'We understand that much of the history of the 21st century will be written in Asia and that much of the future of Asia will be shaped by decisions not only by the Indian government, but by the 1.3 billion people who live in this country,' Clinton said.

The backdrop of the comments, made in the southern Indian city of Chennai, were China's increasing assertiveness upon the continent and ways to counteract it.

Clinton who concluded a strategic dialogue in New Delhi Tuesday, reiterated President Barack Obama's backing for India's inclusion in a reformed UN Security Council.

'India's leadership will help to positively shape the future of the Asia-Pacific, thats why the US encourages India not only to look east, but to engage and act east as well,' she told students at the Anna Centenary Library.

She said Delhi and Washington were working closely on forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and added that the US, India and Japan will soon launch trilateral dialogue.

Clinton also prodded India to boost trade and economic links between violence-torn South Asia and Central Asia, which would help bring peace and prosperity in the region.

'Let's work together to create a new Silk Road, not a single thoroughfare like its namesake, but an international web and network of economic and transit connections,' she said.

Clinton's remarks carry significance since East Asia and Central Asia are considered as areas of Chinese influence.

Foreign policy analysts say Washington has been viewing India as a counterbalance to the growing economic and military might of Beijing.

Clinton was due to meet regional leaders in Chennai, considered a hub for US investment, later Wednesday. She is scheduled to leave for Indonesia on Thursday to attend a regional security conference.

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