Mumbai: Surrounded by the staff of the Taj and Trident Hotels in Mumbai, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton signed a tribute for 26/11 victims. It was a symbolic gesture at the symbolic venue, which hosted Hillary's meeting with the leading business houses of India.
"When 26/11 unfolded, the American people stood in solidarity with the Indian people, just like the India had with the US after 9/11. We are very committed working with India to make sure that together we are effective," Hillary said.
Yet ,when it came to the crucial question of whether the US would press Pakistan to act against 26/11 terrorists based there, her response was a little disappointing.
"It's still too early to say what will be the outcome of that commitment that we see coming from Pakistan. In the next few days there will be greater awareness of whether or not they bring the Mumbai terrorists to heel and hopefully to justice," Hillary said.
She also dismissed speculation that US pressure had led India to concede ground to Pakistan at Egypt.
"What happens between India and Pakistan is between those two countries," Hillary said.
But beyond the issues of terrorism this meeting with Indian CEOs hosted by Ratan Tata was also part of Hillary's day. The focus was not on business, but on inclusive growth and climate change.
"There was a discussion on how to improve products and services to make them more affordable to the poor," said Chanda Kochar, CEO, ICICI Bank.
"I think there was a concern that India and the US have not been working very well together, and we need to work better on climate change," said Jamshyd Godrej, CMD, Godrej and Boyce.
Thus, it was the agenda Hillary will pursue during the rest of her tour.