Navtej Sarna
Counsellor (Press & Information)
(202) 939-7042

The U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell will arrive in New Delhi on 16^th October and depart in the afternoon of 17^th October. On 16^th October, he will have a meeting and dinner with minister of External Affairs Shri Jaswant Singh. On 17^th October, Secretary Powell will call on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister Shri L.K. Advani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and National Security Adviser Shri Brajesh Mishra. He will also meet Leader of the Opposition Smt. Sonia Gandhi.

Secretary Powell’s visit provides an opportunity to exchange views on international and regional developments following the tragic events of 11^th September; discuss steps to strengthen international coalition and enhance the ongoing India-US counter-terrorism cooperation in pursuit of the long term goal of combating terrorism at the global level; share views on the future of Afghanistan; and carry forward the momentum of the productive and close engagement between the two sides over the past nine months. 

Home Minister and Secretary Powell will also sign a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, which represents another step forward in India-US law enforcement and counter-terrorism cooperation.