After Narendra Modi visit, NSA Ajit Doval talks counter-terrorism with top US officials

WASHINGTON: National Security Advisor Ajit K Doval met top American officials here and discussed issues like security cooperation, international terrorism and terror finance, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama agreed to enhance Indo-US strategic ties.

Doval yesterday met US Secretary of State John Kerry and held talks with his American counterpart Susan Rice.

"The meeting built on discussions held during Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US and covered issues such as defense cooperation, international terrorism, terrorism finance, and law enforcement cooperation," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters.

Observing that this meeting was an important step in reinforcing our shared resolve, Psaki said that US-India joint statement issued after meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Modi reflected on their expanding cooperation to bolster national, regional and global security.

Doval, who has extended his stay in the US for two days following Modi's trip to the country, met National Security Advisor Rice during which they discussed how they can best build on the accomplishments from the Prime Minister's visit to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership for the benefit of citizens in both countries and beyond.

"They exchanged views on regional developments, including cooperating on maritime security and the importance of reinforcing stability in Afghanistan after the inauguration of a new National Unity Government this week," the White House said.

"They agreed to work together to address global crises such as the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and the spread of violent extremism, and looked forward to continuing close consultations in the future," it added.