US-India homeland security dialogue today

NEW DELHI: Counter-terrorism and information sharing is expected to be a priority in the first homeland security dialogue between India and United States to be held on Friday. The meeting between home minister P Chidambaram and US homeland security secretary Janet Napolitano will also include discussions on countering illicit financing, and accessing and sharing of data relating to terrorism.

Coastal security, cyber security, mega city policing, countering illicit financing and trans-national crime, providing homeland security equipment to each other and capacity building will also be figure during the day-long meeting.

The security situation in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan in the wake of the killing of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden is likely to be discussed by the two leaders. Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Headley's testimony, in which he has admitted ISI's involvement in the 26/11 attack, and trial of his accomplice Tahawwur Rana are also expected to be discussed in the meeting.

Napolitano, who arrived in Mumbai on Wednesday, 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.