WORLD OF CRISIS

Jun 27, 2009

India, US to work closely on regional security: US NSA

The situation in Pakistan and strategies to combat terrorism came up for intense discussions between visiting US national security adviser James L Jones and the Indian leadership on Friday with the two sides agreeing to work together closely on regional security matters.

Jones, a retired general, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, defence minister A K Antony besides having wide ranging talks with his Indian counterpart M K Narayanan before wrapping up his two-day visit which he described as "very productive".

The post-election situation in Iran, rocked by street protests, after President Ahmadinejad was declared re-elected in hotly disputed polls, also figured in the talks, according to a US embassy statement.

"President (Barack) Obama views the US-India relationship to be the foremost importance in advancing our common interests. In addition to broadening our partnership on a variety of global and bilateral issues, we will work together closely on regional security matters. This is an area in which India is playing an important role.

"I trust that we will develop an even closer bond between the American and Indian people and build a more prosperous and secure future," Jones said.

The visit of Jones, who arrived here after a tour of Afghanistan and Pakistan, comes ahead of the trip of US secretary of state Hillary Clinton to India next month.

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