India and the United States on Wednesday discussed the status of various initiatives announced during the visit of President Barack Obama a month ago, apart from deliberating on the situation in Afghanistan.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called up External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and had a 40-minute discussion. Both sides talked about the steps to be taken to strengthen cooperation between the two countries as envisaged by Mr. Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during Mr. Obama's visit. They exchanged their views on taking forward the initiatives announced during Mr. Obama's tour.
Mr. Krishna also invited Ms. Clinton to visit India for the second round of the strategic dialogue, dates for which would be decided through diplomatic channels, MEA officials said.
Mr. Krishna expressed his condolence over the demise of U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke.
Mr. Krishna and Ms. Clinton conveyed season's greetings to each other.
The first round of the strategic dialogue was held in the U.S. in June this year.
Separately, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs William Burns had a telephonic conversation with Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao on various bilateral issues and regional matters of mutual importance.
