Date:21/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/21/stories/2008032154381200.htm

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Pelosi calls on Manmohan

Special Correspondent

Photo: R.V. Moorthy

IN REVERENCE: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States’ House of Representatives, pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi on Thursday. —

NEW DELHI: The Speaker of the House of Representatives in the United States, Nancy Pelosi, called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and other political leaders on Wednesday.

However, she was not able to call on Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee as he is unwell.

Ms. Pelosi hosted a reception for Dr. Singh during his July 2005 visit to the U.S., when the issue of cooperation in civil nuclear energy was explicitly mentioned.

Ms. Pelosi, who was the House Democratic Leader that time, has since gained in political stature after her party gained control of the House.

She will now play a key role in case the timelines get too tight before Congress breaks for summer recess by July end.

The U.S. Speaker is planning to visit Dharamshala and meet Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.