She said: "It's certainly for me a great honor to be the co-chair of the India Caucus in the Senate and to work with so many of you on matters of mutual interest."

Clinton acknowledged: "I know, how difficult the job of president is at any time," and then to loud applause and whoops from the audience, said, "I understand that it's likely that India will have a women president, perhaps in the next month or so."

She spoke of how grateful she was to the Indian-American community 'for your generous contributions to my campaign,' and pledged: "I will work very hard to be a good steward of these contributions -- to get my message out around our country. To work constantly, to build a campaign that reflects the best of America."

Clinton spoke of how proud she was to have "not only so many Indian American supporters, but so many Indian Americans working on my campaign, and working to see that vision that we share for America. And, I know, that when I am sworn into office on January 20, 2009, there will be so much to do, but I am confident and optimistic that we are ready once again to roll up our sleeves and work to achieve the goals that America must set for the future."