Washington, June 09: On the second day of his crucial visit to the US, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani discussed the menace of terrorism with US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Advani will meet members of the Indian community in Washington today. Rumsfeld called on Advani at his hotel shortly after the Indian leader arrived here from New York on a weeklong official visit to this country.

The meeting between Advani and Rumsfeld lasted for about 40 minutes. Indian Ambassador to the US, Lalit Mansingh, was present at the meeting.

The meeting between the defence secretary and Advani was originally scheduled for today but took place on Sunday itself. Besides cooperation against terrorism, a wide range of issues, including cooperation in the field of defence, was believed to have figured in the meeting between Advani and Rumsfeld. The US is also believed to have stressed on the need for India to send its forces to Iraq.

Another topic for discussion was Iraq in regard to which the US is keen to have Indian troops for peacekeeping there.

During the meeting with Advani, Rumsfeld was accompanied by four officials. Among those who assisted Advani in his talks were home secretary, director of Intelligence Bureau, special secretary Ajay Prasad and deputy chief of Indian mission Alok Prasad. Bureau Report