S Jaishankar meets US NSA to discuss bilateral ties

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has met US National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster and discussed among other things counter-terrorism, bilateral relations and ways to take Indo-US ties forward. The meeting between Dr Jaishankar and Lt Gen McMaster gains significance as the top military leader was appointed as the National Security Advisor by US President Donald Trump ten days ago.

During the meeting held at the White House, the two officials are believed to have discussed issues related to security relationship, counter-terrorism, and defence partnership.

Dr Jaishankar also met Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan and discussed various issues, including ways to enhance economic and defence



cooperation between both countries.Mr Ryan, in a statement after meeting, said that the relationship between the US and India is rooted in shared values of democracy and freedom. He further said that both the countries have a great opportunity today to build on this critical partnership by discussing ways to enhance our economic and defence cooperation.

During his meeting with Dr Jaishankar, Mr Ryan expressed condolences of US House of Representatives on the death of Srinivas Kuchibhotla in the shooting by navy veteran Adam Purinton.

Dr Jaishankar arrived in Washington on Tuesday on a four-day visit to hold talks with top officials of the Trump Administration, lawmakers and members of the think-tank community.