Hillary, Mamata likely to discuss FDI in retail

The US says Hillary is keen to explore investment and trade opportunities in West Bengal as well as gauge the firebrand chief minister's views on FDI in multi-brand retail. Hillary is also likely to broach the subject of the Teesta water treaty with Mamata following Saturday's meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

State Finance Minister Amit Mitra and State Secretary Samar Ghosh are expected to be present at the meeting.

Mamata seems important for the United States because of her growing political clout. She has been the most vocal opponent in the UPA to the government's plans to introduce FDI in multi-brand retail, making her the biggest roadblock for US plans to invest in the Indian market.

Washington for now has a wait-and-watch policy towards Mamata as she is the first non-Left chief minister in the state in three decades. It is hoping Mamata will open doors for investment in Bengal which is a gateway to South East Asia.

Clinton's arrival in Kolkata on Sunday coincides with the visit of a high-powered Iranian trade delegation in Delhi.

Clinton will try and push India to cut back on energy imports from Iran during talks with External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Tuesday. SM Krishna is expected to remind the US of India's rights as a sovereign state and demand exemptions from sanctions, similar to those that Washington has already granted to Japan and 10 European nations.

This is probably Clinton's last visit to India as Secretary of State as she plans to retire from public life later this year.