New Delhi, Jul 19 (IANS): India and the US were "allies in the fight against violent extremist networks", visiting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday as she pledged her government's support to New Delhi in curbing terror.

In her opening remarks at the second India-US strategic dialogue, Clinton expressed solidarity with the families of the victims killed in the July 13 Mumbai serial blasts.

"I want to express our sympathy and outrage over the terrorist attack in Mumbai last week. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims," she said.

She said homeland security was "a high priority and a source of increasing partnership" between the two nations. "We pledge our support (to) the Indian government in protecting its cities and citizens from future harm. We are allies in the fight against violent extremist networks."

Clinton arrived here Monday night heading a 25-member delegation. She held talks with External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

She said the two nations had signed a counter-terrorism cooperative initiative to increase their cooperation on the investigation of crimes, law enforcement, border management and cyber security.

America joined India in this strategic dialogue because "we believe - as President (Barack) Obama has said - that the relationship between India and the United States will be a defining partnership in the 21st century", she said.

"The stakes are high. So it is critical that this dialogue lead to concrete and coordinated steps that each of our governments take to produce real results that make a difference in our people's lives.

"Because that's ultimately what this is all about - joining forces to protect our citizens and help every man, woman, and child live up to their god-given potential."