Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, stated that the relationship between Washington and India needs to be improved, emphasizing the importance of closer cooperation on security, trade, and other issues. Clinton is scheduled to visit India the following month and expressed her hope for the two countries to collaborate on global challenges such as climate change and securing Afghanistan. In a speech to the U.S.-India Business Council, Clinton emphasized the need for an enhanced bilateral relationship, noting that official ties between the two nations are overdue for an upgrade compared to other aspects of cooperation such as people-to-people and economic ties. Last year, India and the US signed a significant civil nuclear deal, lifting a 30-year ban on global nuclear commerce with India. The agreement will allow India to purchase nuclear technology and fuel from the global market. To strengthen their relationship, it is necessary for Washington and New Delhi to build trust and address any remaining uncertainties. Concerns exist among Americans about potential job loss and lower wages due to increased economic ties with India, while some Indians see a closer partnership as conflicting with their country's tradition of independence. Closer economic and trade relations are promised, with talks starting soon on a bilateral investment treaty to enhance trade opportunities between the two nations. President Obama has emphasized that the United States has taken past lessons into account. She stated that despite the global financial crisis, they will not resort to protectionism. Clinton emphasized the need for increased cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism and improving intelligence-sharing, without giving specifics. She expressed commitment to enhancing India's ability to defend itself, mentioning the American casualties in the Mumbai attacks. Clinton also welcomed the recent meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks, and expressed confidence that both India and the US would support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism within its borders.