Political India: Engaging America

From The Hindu

On a two-day visit to New Delhi, United States National Security Advisor General James Jones met with his Indian counterpart, Shiv Shankar Menon and discussed preparations for the upcoming visit in November by President Barack Obama.

In a statement, Deputy Spokesman of the National Security Council Ben Chang said General Jones hoped “the visit will be a demonstration of the strong cooperation and enduring partnership between the U.S. and India”.

During his stay in New Delhi through July 14 and 15 General Jones was said to have met with Mr. Menon and other senior Indian officials to discuss the full range of key bilateral issues facing the two countries, “including regional security, cooperation in Afghanistan, and trade and economic relations”.

Mr. Chang added that General Jones’ “successful” visit had reinforced the strategic partnership between India and the U.S., a partnership defined by “a foundation of common principles and values. He also said that while in India, General Jones had helped map out further areas in which mutual cooperation could lead to greater prosperity, security, and progress for countries and the world.

In addition to Mr. Menon, General Jones was said to have met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Minister for Home Affairs P. Chidambaram, Minister for Defence A.K. Antony, Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee P.V. Naik, and Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley.

Mr. Chang said General Jones had expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and warmth of his interlocutors and the people of India.

Labels: Barack Obama India visit, James Jones, Shiv Shankar Menon