The Obama administration is keen to develop a more comprehensive and intensive bilateral relationship with India, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, as she met Union Minister Anand Sharma here.

Clinton said the Obama administration is eager to build on the progress made in ties between the two countries over the last 15 years, the Indian Embassy here said in a statement.

The discussions between Clinton and the Indian Industry and Commerce Minister on Wednesday covered the effect of the economic downturn on the two economies and the way ahead for negotiations of the World Trade Organisation.

Sharma, the first Cabinet-rank minister to visit the US after the elections, said while a perfect solution to WTO negotiations may be elusive, it could be possible to find a way out acceptable to all parties, keeping in mind that development was central to the Doha Round. Sharma said New Delhi is looking forward to Clinton’s visit to India next month and expressed confidence that her leadership would give a special impetus to the relations between the two countries.