US betting on India, says Hillary in Chennai

Published On: July 20, 2011 | Duration: 21 min, 49 sec

"Vanakkam," said Hillary Clinton, 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. "We understand that much of the history of the 21st century will be written in Asia...and that much of the future of Asia will be shaped by decisions not just by the Indian government but by governments across India... and by the 1.3 billion people who live in this country," she said.