New Delhi, Feb 1 (IANS): India Thursday told outgoing US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that it will always value her "enormous contribution" to boosting India-US ties which had acquired "new depth and global dimensions under her stewardship".

In a letter to Clinton, who steps down Friday, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid wished her well for completion of her "momentous years in office".

Khurshid said though he had not met her, "across our government and indeed in our country you are regarded with great affection as a friend of India".

"There is also great respect for the many talents and your natural gift of connecting across cultures and linguistic barriers, which you brought to bear over the last four years in the service of your country."

He said she will always "be certain of a warm welcome in India" and that everyone in India, and he personally, wished her well for her continuing success in whatever she chooses to do after stepping down.

Clinton had last visited India in May.