Hillary Clinton lauds eastern India's economic potential

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who kicked off her three-day India visit on Monday from the historic city of Kolkata, lauded the economic potential and geopolitical significance of eastern India.

"The economic potential of east India is so great...but also its geopolitical significance is being increasingly recognised. US wants to be partner with the entire country. This is my way of demonstrating our commitment to this part of the country," Clinton said at a gathering at the La Martiniere school for girls in Kolkata.

"I think it's a great tribute to India that the entire political development of this country is demonstrating the power that is at the core of the Indian dream," she said ahead of her meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

"The more open India becomes over time..the greater the rise in standard of living and opportunity," she said.

Clinton, who arrived in West Bengal on Sunday and flies to New Delhi Monday evening, said: "We need to find win-win solutions for everybody."

"We have to work together as the international community on resolving water issues. Unless water is put on a priority list, it can lead to a lot of dislocation."