US-India set to discuss counter-terrorism

United States Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday on an official visit during which she will jointly launch the US-India Homeland Security dialogue with her Indian counterpart P Chidambaram.

Action against terror groups, monitoring of illicit financial transactions and cyber security are some of the key issues to be discussed by Napolitano and Chidambaram during their day-long meeting on Friday.

The two leaders will discuss how to stop illegal smuggling of cash, financial fraud, counterfeiting pertaining to terrorism and protection of critical infrastructure, sources said.

This will be the first meeting of the Homeland Security dialogue which will seek to coordinate the counter-terrorism and law enforcement cooperation as it relates to the internal security of the respective countries and protecting the global supply chain.

Security situation in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan, in the wake of the killing of Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, is likely to be discussed by the two leaders.

Napolitano, who arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday, is the first dignitary from the US to visit India after President Barack Obama who toured the country in November last year.

Chidambaram had visited the US in January 2009 when he had extensive discussions with Napolitano.