Highlights: SM Krishna-Hillary Clinton address joint presser

New Delhi: Foreign Affairs Minister SM Krishna had a breakfast meeting with US secretary of State Hillary Clinton. They then held a joint press conference.

What SM Krishna said:

• Secretary Clinton and I reviewed entire gamut of bilateral relations.  We expressed satisfaction with progress in relationship and are optimistic about the future
• Emerging global trends reinforced shared conviction in importance of this relationship for future of our two countries and the shape of the world
• We have extraordinary frequency and depth in our engagement and dialogue
• I conveyed our concerns about IT companies and protectionist sentiments in US
• On cooperation over nuclear civil deal: Assured her of India's commitment to providing level playing field to all US companies within framework of national law and international obligations
• We discussed that Iran has rights as member of NPT (non-proliferation treaty) but must also abide by its obligations as non-nuclear weapon state under the NPT
• On Iran's nuclear program: India subscribes to and regularly implements UN security council resolutions. This issue is not a source of discord between our two countries

What Hillary Clinton said:

• Always a pleasure to be back in Delhi and to reaffirm what President Obama has called one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century
• Focused on preparing for strategic dialogue in June
• We have to continue expanding trade and investment between our countries
• I believe there is much more potential
• We should work towards having one of the world's largest trade partnerships
• Need to open our markets to greater trade and investments
• Our landmark civil nuclear agreement - Mr Krishna assured of level playing field for US companies
• We need to deepen our security cooperation
• We also look to India as partner in broad international effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons
• Need to stay united and to keep pressure on Iran-it has brought Iran back to negotiating table
• Welcome the progress India is making to reduce oil purchased from Iran
• Need to convince people not be recruited into terrorism, (which is) very much a dead end literally and figuratively when it comes to pursuing any kind of political or ideological aims.  In democracies like ours, people should be in the marketplace of ideas.
• Terrorist groups that still operate out of Pak - we are committed to going after those who pursue direct threats to US, Afghanistan and our allies in Afghanistan
• 10 million award for info that leads to arrest of Hafiz Saaed shows our commitment
• We look to govt of Pak to do more - needs to make sure its territory is not used as launching pad for terrorism including attacks within Pak
• Hafiz Saeed bounty proves our solidarity with India
• India has been strong partner in persuading Iran to live upto its obligations
• Iran to demonstrate in June  unequivocally the peaceful intent of its nuclear programme
• Commend India for the steps its refineries are taking to reduce imports from Iran