India and US will set the pace and directions for their stronger bilateral relations in the 4th strategic dialogue beginning in New Delhi on Monday.

In an exclusive interview to All India Radio, India's Ambassador to the US, Mrs. Nirupama Rao, said that besides security and defence, the strategic dialogue will also deliberate upon enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism.

She said, India-US relations are people-centric and New Delhi is looking forward for cooperation in sectors like Health, Education, Science and Technology and peaceful use of outer space.

Mrs. Nirupama Rao said the relations between the two countries also have regional and global dimensions and both sides will review the situation in Afghanistan and also in Asia-Pacific region.