US, India pledge to combat terrorism

Washington (PTI): The US pledged to collaborate with India on developing global approach to combat increasing terror threats and asked international community to take effective steps to eliminate sanctuaries and infrastructure that support terrorism.

After talks between visiting Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and US Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, a joint communique said the two countries also agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation to combat terror financing and currency counterfeiting.

"Today, threats transcend national borders, impacting the security and economic prosperity of the entire international community. We will continue to collaborate with India to develop a global approach to the challenges and threats we all face," Napolitano said on Tuesday in a statement after the conclusion of the Second India-US Homeland Security Dialogue here.

Shinde led a high-powered Indian delegation for the dialogue, which was started in 2011. During the meeting, Napolitano and Shinde reaffirmed the commitment of the two nations to work cooperatively on law enforcement issues to combat common threats and improve bilateral cooperation through the development and application of innovative technology.

The two countries also agreed to combat the flow of illicit finances and currency counterfeiting, and to work closely to counter terrorism and promote cyber security, the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.

Both the US and India plan to enhance cyber security and critical infrastructure protection engagement, increase training on countering illicit financing through Cross Border Financial Investigations Training Programme, and share best practices and lessons learned in the context of megacity policing.

Napolitano and Shinde also agreed to identify areas in which the US and India can collaborate on science and technology development and its application in the homeland security context.

India seeks access to Rana, Headley Washington (PTI): India sought access from the US to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack convict David Headley and his accomplice Tahawwur Rana - both of whom were sentenced by a Chicago court after being found guilty of terrorism charges.

While there was no official word from either side on the issues discussed in particular those with reference to Headley and Rana, officials said it was prominently raised by Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde during his meeting with US Attorney General Eric Holder here.

"Shinde and Holder agreed that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Justice should work together institutionally, so as to ensure the best possible outcomes within the laws of the two countrie.