Terror tops Chidambaram’s agenda in US

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.

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.

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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 a 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.