India, US national security advisers discuss counterterrorism, defense cooperation

India, US nat’l security advisers talk terrorism

NEW DELHI — An official says the Indian and U.S. national security advisers have met to discuss counterterrorism, defense cooperation and regional security.

Jim Jones, the U.S.national security adviser, also met with India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday.

The visit is seen as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for a visit by President Barack Obama to India in November. Washington considers India crucial to the U.S.-led fight against extremists in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is see New Delhi as a counterweight to China in the region.

The official said Jones is expected to meet with India’s Defense Minister A.K. Antory and Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram on Thursday. He spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to talk to reporters.