Hillary, Krishna discuss ways to push strategic ties

India and the US on Friday discussed ways to take the bilateral strategic relationship to a "new level" as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called up External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to congratulate him on assumption of office.

During the conversation, both the leaders expressed interest in further developing and deepening the relationship.

"They discussed the possibilities of taking strategic cooperation to a new level," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said.

They also discussed the forthcoming visits of US Under Secretary of State William Burns and Clinton here. Burns is expected to be here on June 10 while Clinton is likely to undertake the visit in July.

Krishna, who was in Bangalore, said he was looking forward to Clinton's visit.

"A number of issues will be taken on bilateral basis with the US Secretary of State," he said.

French Foreign Minister Bernand Kouchner also called up Krishna to congratulate him on assumption of office and discussed ways to take the bilateral cooperation forward.