U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the United States and India are united in fighting “violent extremist networks,” and that the two nations are increasingly working together on homeland security issues.

Her comments came Tuesday in the capital, New Delhi, as she began two days of talks with Indian officials aimed at strengthening political and economic relations.

Clinton said the importance of confronting extremists was made even more clear after last week's triple bombings in India's financial hub, Mumbai, which killed 19 people and wounded more than 130 others.

She also stressed the need for stronger financial ties, calling for more open markets and increased sales of U.S. arms to India.

Clinton said the two sides need to resolve issues related to a 2008 civil nuclear cooperation deal, which could open up business opportunities for U.S. nuclear energy companies in India.

She met Tuesday with Indian National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, and is scheduled to hold talks with a range of other senior officials, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress Party chief Sonia Gandhi.

Clinton's visit is part of an ongoing U.S.-India strategic dialogue that began last year with talks in Washington.

The talks will also cover the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and India's strained relations with arch-rival Pakistan.

On Wednesday, Clinton will travel to India's southeastern city of Chennai, where she is scheduled to deliver a speech on the importance of U.S.-Indian relations, and meet representatives of U.S. companies.