US security chief to visit India for talks

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2011 (AFP) - The US Homeland Security secretary, Janet Napolitano, will make a four-day visit to India beginning May 24, her office announced Thursday. Napolitano and Indian Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram, the country's domestic security chief, will launch the US-India Homeland Security dialogue, which the Department says will increase communication about terrorism between the two countries.

Napolitano's visit comes amid strained relations between the US and Pakistan, India's great regional rival, following the killing of Osama bin Laden by US commandos near the Pakistan capital of Islamabad.

The Homeland Security secretary will also meet with other Indian officials and members of private industry to discuss ways to promote domestic security, coordinate counterterrorism and improve law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.