We need your ideas to build ties: Hillary to Indian Americans

"Governments alone cannot solve any of these problems. We need your ideas, and we need help from people like you," she said in video remarks to a "People-to-People Conference" to highlight the crucial role of Indian Americans in the ever-strengthening bilateral relationship ahead of President Barack Obama's India visit.

"That's why the connections you're forming today are so important," she said at the conference organised by the State Department n cooperation with the Indian American Leadership Council and the American India Foundation Thursday.

"Your leadership across the United States - along with your connection to communities in India - gives you insights that can benefit all of us," Clinton said.

In a keynote address, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, the highest ranking Indian American, spoke about how the community can help with issues related to the US-India Strategic Dialogue: renewable energy, global health, education and economic empowerment.

Indian Ambassador Meera Shankar said the conference is a testimony to the growing presence of the Indian American community in the US and the strong influence they bring to bear in strengthening India-US relations.

Speaking about the growing economic relations between the two countries, she outlined the future prospects for engagement of the community through the various schemes that the governments are working on.