After Mumbai visit, Clinton heads for New Delhi

New Delhi News.Net
Sunday 19th July, 2009 (IANS)

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton left for New Delhi Sunday morning after a 36-hour stay in Mumbai during which she met business leaders, victims of the November 2008 terror attack, women activists, and teachers and students of a leading college.

Her special aircraft is scheduled to reach the capital around noon, according to Mumbai airport sources.

Clinton spent her two nights in Mumbai at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, one of the targets of last year's terror attacks. Unlike the night of her arrival when she was greeted with rains, Clinton experienced pleasant, sunny weather Saturday and early Sunday.

She also had a power-breakfast with some of the top business leaders of the country at the hotel Saturday. Among the people she interacted with were Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, O.P. Bhatt, Swati Piramal, Sudha Murthy, Amrita Patel and Chanda Kochhar.

Later, she also visited the NGO Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) and viewed the textile and handicraft garments. She made a few purchases for herself and daughter Chelsea.

Clinton also participated in a Teach India mission initiative at St. Xaviers' College along with Bollywood actor Aamir Khan. She interacted with students and teachers and spoke passionately on the need for changes to make education opportunities available to all children.

On Sunday morning, Clinton was seen off at the Mumbai Airport by officials of the state government's protocol department, representatives of the US Consulate, including Consul-General Paul Folmsbee, and officials of the American Centre.

Mumbai police, along with security officials from the US, had made elaborate security arrangements at the Taj Hotel, outside and at all the roads and venues where she travelled during her engagements in Mumbai.

Email this story to a friend

Have your say on this story