'India-US joint partnership will resolve issues'

New York, June 26: Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton has said various maladies afflicting the world could be tackled through a united effort by major countries of the world.

''There is no problem in the world that we face today can be solved by the US alone or India can do alone,'' she told an Indian-American fund-raiser in New York over the weekend.

''We must work together,'' she added.

Mrs Clinton, currently front-runner for her party's presidential nomination, cited diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as well as international issues that need a concerted effort by important nations.

The fund-raiser at the Sheraton New York was attended by mostly Indian-Americans, who included many Sikhs. It was mainly organised by hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal, who leads the recently set up Indian-Americans for Hillary 2008.

Part of Mrs Clinton speech was devoted to her association with the community and her visits to India. But Mrs Clinton also spoke about the larger American issues during her brief 15-minute speech, which was punctuated by several rounds of applause.

''We must create more partnerships and relationships,'' she said, adding, ''that begins with deepening our partnership with India.'' Mrs Clinton, who is currently the US Senator from New York state, praised the community's emphasis on education. Affordable education should be given to ''a child growing up in New York or in New Delhi.'' Recalling her 1996 India visit along with daughter Chelsea, Mrs Clinton said she was very much impressed with that visit during which she learned about microcredit. She also cited her sojourn during President Clinton's 2000 official visit to India.

Though it was not officially announced, it is estimated that between one million and two million dollars was collected by the gathering. The number of participants at the fund-raiser, according to organisers, was 1,200.

She said during her presidency, America's respect would be restored in the world and it would help ensure peace and prosperity.

Urging for alternative energy sources, Mrs Clinton said, ''We can't be dependent upon foreign oil; we also don't allow our allies and friends to depend on such oil.'' On the economic issue, she said, ''Six years ago, we had a balanced budget and surplus.'' The presidential candidate vowed to ensure responsibility in economic matters during her prospective administration, saying ''I'll get fiscal house back in order.

UNI