U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Anna Centenary Library

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited chennai on 20th July 2011, addressed students and opinion makers at Anna Centenary Library.

She started her speech with "Vanakkam" , her vernacular greeting provoking a roar of approval from her audience at the Anna Centenary Library in Chennai. The thousand-plus crowd consisted mainly of students, and some local celebrities and opinion-makers like actors Kamal Haasan and Gauthami.

The US Secretary of State paid tribute to India, its democracy and its pluralism. Ms Clinton then said, "We are betting on India's future...that the opening of India's markets to world will produce a more prosperous India and South Asia. We are betting that India's vibrant pluralistic society will inspire others to follow a similar path of tolerance. We are making this bet not out of blind faith but because we have watched your progress with great admiration."

Ms Clinton said that America stands whole-heartedly behind President Obama's statement to the Indian Parliament during his visit that his country's relationship with India will be one of the defining relationships of the 21st century.

Touching upon the Sri Lankan Tamils’ issue, she said every citizen of the island nation deserved equal help and opportunity.

The two countries should work together to combat piracy and for maritime security, she said.

Speaking about India’s growing leadership in the world, Ms. Clinton said India and the U.S. could more productively engage in complex global issues and support democratic transitions in Middle East and North Africa.

Ms. Clinton also advocated more economic cooperation among India, U.S. and China, though she maintained it was “not easy”.

Click Here to see more photos of the event.