Hillary meets Indian business leaders, discusses economic crisis (Second Lead)

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.

Later Saturday, Clinton will visit the marketing headquarters here of Ahmedabad-based NGO Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA).

She will examine the textile and garment exhibits created by the SEWA members, and also discuss the progress of the Global Women's Trade Finance Council of which she is co-chairperson along with SEWA founder Ela Bhatt.

Around 3 p.m., Clinton will go to St. Xaviers' College, diagonally opposite Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), the railway station that was one of the sites of the 26/11 terror attacks.

An interaction is planned with students and teachers of the college as well as representatives of some NGOs where Bollywood actor Aamir Khan will be present.

Clinton arrived here late Friday and was immediately taken to the Taj hotel, where she has decided to stay during her sojourn in Mumbai as a mark of solidarity with the victims of terror.

Clinton will fly to New Delhi Sunday for meetings with India's political leaders and members of the civil society.

Last updated on Jul 18^th, 2009 at 11:44 am IST--IANS