MUMBAI - The US is ready for new and even more promising relations with India, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Saturday.

Speaking to journalists at the start of a five-day trip to India, Clinton said the Barack Obama administration was determined to cement bilateral ties further.

We are entering a new and even more promising relations with India. We are looking … to broaden and deepen our relationship, she said.

She said the strength of the India-US partnership ultimately rests on the deep and enduring ties between the Indian and the American people.

Clinton said the problems of the 21st century demand a new mindset and a willingness to create partnership with governments but also beyond governments.

She said she had just ended an exciting meeting with Indian business leaders.

Clinton, who arrived here Friday night, began the first full day of her visit by meeting the staff of the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel and the Oberoi-Trident Hotel, which were among the landmarks ravaged by terrorists from Pakistan in November last year.

Clinton is staying at the Taj hotel, close to the Arabian Sea, as a mark of solidarity with those who were killed or wounded in that attack.

She said she was deeply touched to meet the staff of both the hotels and “to pay respect to the large number attacked.

“This hotel in this city suffered grievously and endured painful losses because of the extremists and violence visited on it.

“The great men and women who worked in this hotel and elsewhere in the city… (facing) senseless violence and helped save lives they deserve our gratitude.”

She underlined that the American people stood in solidarity with the people of India when the November terror attack unfolded on TV screens.

And referring to Friday’s terror bombings in Jakarta, Clinton said it was a “painful reminder (that terrorism) is global, it is ruthless, it is nihilistic, and it must be stopped”.

Clinton will fly Sunday to New Delhi where she said she will meet government leaders for discussions on the issues including economic growth, climate change, education, health care, non-proliferation and counter-terrorism.