New Delhi: Home Minister P Chidambaram
begins an important four-day visit to the United States this
week when he will discuss with the American establishment
international terrorism and Pakistan`s inaction against
perpetrators of Mumbai attack.
Chidambaram, who will begin the visit on Tuesday, will
urge the American leadership to put pressure on Pakistan to
take firm action towards dismantling of terror infrastructure
in that country as well as prosecution of Mumbai attack
accused, who are in Pakistan.
During his meeting with his counterpart Janet Napolitano,
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Advisor
James Jones and others, Chidambaram will tell them about the
steps being taken by India to deal with terrorism and give
update on the prosecution of the Mumbai attack accused, Home
Ministry sources said.
The visit is aimed at carrying forward the dialogue with
the US with regard to assessment of the security situation in
South Asia, understanding the counter-terrorism institutions
and structures in America as well as meeting with top
officials involved in security and intelligence matters.
Besides getting an in-depth understanding of the
functioning of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, the Home
Minister will also be interacting with Heads of Homeland
Security and intelligence agencies including the FBI and look
at the functioning of the New York Police Department.
Chidambaram will also be discussing issues related to
combating financing of terrorism and steps which will need to
be taken in this regard as well as prevention of money
laundering.
The Home Minister would also get first-hand knowledge
of the capabilities of the US security agencies in dealing
with a terror strike.
Chidambaram had planned to travel to the US in January
but had to abandon it to attend to a crisis created by an
indefinite strike called by officers of public sector oil
companies.
This will be his second international trip after taking
over as Home Minister last December. Last month he had gone to
Bhutan for a three-day visit.
He will be accompanied by an official each from the
Intelligence Bureau and RAW and a joint secretary from the
Home Ministry.
Bureau Report
