Speaking at a major fundraiser by Indian-Americans for Hillary 2008, organised by hotelier Sant Singh Chatwal, Clinton declared, "India is the largest democracy, the United States is the oldest democracy, and, together, we have a lot of work to do in the world, and I think you all understand it."

Over 1,200 guests paid from $1,000 to $2,300 apiece to attend the event at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.

She said: "There is no problem we face in the world today where the United States can go it alone, or that India can go it alone. We must work together and we have to rebuild that sense of partnership and common interest that has unfortunately been eroded.

"We must create more partnerships and relationships and it begins with deepening the partnership with India," she reiterated, and reminisced, "I had such a wonderful time on my first trip to India back in 1996 when my daughter and I were treated to some of the great sights like the Taj Mahal, but where we also visited institutions like those that gave micro-credit to women and could see the lives change."