New Delhi, September 30 – Former US President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton on Monday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi here and discussed Indo-US relations.
The Clinton couple had a 45-minute meeting with Modi, who was accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Both the prime minister and Swaraj warmly welcomed the Clintons and wished them on becoming grandparents. Swaraj warmly hugged Hillary.
Chelsea, the daughter of Bill and former Secretary of State Hillary, gave birth to daughter Charlotte last week. Known for their love for India, Bill and Hillary were expected to discuss Indo-US engagements and the priorities of the new government in this regard.
Clinton also lauded Modi for his initiative to clean Ganga river. “Thank you for undertaking cleaning of Ganga. It is a sacred project and a smart approach,” the former American President told the Prime Minister.
“Your efforts at cleaning the Ganga will send a message to others in Asia,” Akbaruddin tweeted Hillary as conveying to Modi. The meeting comes in the backdrop of reports that Hillary may contest the US Presidential elections in 2016.
Prior to that, the prime minister met the top CEOs of the United States. Hosting a breakfast for 11 CEOs, including Indian-origin PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt and Citigroup chief Michael Corbat, Modi said India is open-minded and want the change, which is “not one-sided”.
Listening to concerns raised by the business leaders, Modi assured them that his government will address their issues and try to make the environment in India more business-friendly.
Describing the meeting as “excellent and very good”, all business leaders, including Nooyi and Corbat, said that the prime minister heard their concerns and listed out the priority areas of his government to take forward the India story to higher levels.
The prime minister would leave for Washington after his meeting with the Clintons. All eyes are on Obama-Modi meet that will be held on Tuesday.
-INDIA TODAY
