US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated that the relationship between Washington and India needed to be improved, emphasizing the importance of closer cooperation on various issues such as security and trade. Clinton is scheduled to visit India the following month and expressed her hope for the two nations to work together on global challenges like climate change and Afghanistan security. In a speech to the U.S.-India Business Council, Clinton highlighted the need for an enhanced bilateral relationship, noting that official ties between the two countries are overdue for an upgrade compared to other aspects of their cooperation, such as people-to-people and economic ties. The two countries signed a significant civil nuclear deal last year, marking the end of a 30-year ban on global nuclear commerce with India. The agreement will enable India to purchase nuclear technology and fuel from the global market. In order to strengthen relations, it is necessary for Washington and New Delhi to build trust and address any remaining uncertainties in the relationship. Concerns exist among some Americans that increased economic ties with India could lead to job losses and lower wages, while Indians worry that a closer partnership may go against their country's tradition of independence. The speaker also promised to enhance economic and trade connections, with negotiations set to start soon on a bilateral investment treaty to boost trade opportunities between the two nations. "President Obama has emphasized that the United States has taken heed of past mistakes." She stated that the global financial crisis should not be used as an excuse for resorting to protectionism. Clinton emphasized the importance of increasing cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism and improving intelligence-sharing. She mentioned the commitment to enhancing India's ability to protect itself, noting the American casualties in the Mumbai attacks. Clinton also welcomed the recent meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks, expressing confidence in India and the United States supporting Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism within its borders.