PM, Clinton discuss bilateral ties ahead of Obama's India trip

HANOI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Saturday discussed bilateral issues, particularly in the context of the upcoming India visit of President Barack Obama.

Singh and Clinton took stock of the bilateral ties and regional matters during their 40-minute meeting here on the margins of the ASEAN summit, sources said.

The meeting came ahead of the November 6-9 maiden India visit of Obama during which he will travel to Mumbai and New Delhi.

Clinton was here as she along with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov was invited to join the 16-nation annual East Asia Summit.

India has already welcomed the inclusion of the US and Russia as it would enhance the open and balanced architecture of the grouping, enriching its quality.