Headley, Pak to dominate Indo-US dialogue

Washington: The Indo-US strategic dialogue begins in Washington on Thursday and concerns over 26/11 accused David Coleman Headley are likely to dominate it. India also wants clarity about the US position on Pakistan's role in Afghanistan and a permanent seat at UN Security Council.

Even the US is sounding an upbeat note ahead of the first ministerial level strategic dialogue with India.

"Our strategic dialogue this week elevates India to the rank of our most important global partners, allowing us to discuss and coordinate policies of global import, including on the future shape of the international economic system," US Under Secretary of State William J Burns.

India is more cautious and doubtful of the Obama Administration's intentions, yet sensing an opportunity to get the US to clarify its position on a range of issues including: US role in Afghanistan post 2011, Pakistan's role in Afghanistan, permanent seat for India in UN Security Council and sanctions on Indian entities.

India is also suspicious that the US is trying to conceal the complicity of its own agencies in Lashker-e-Toiba operative Headley's activities.

The US is approaching the dialogue with its own list of concerns.

America's concerns are India's support for sanctions on Iran, Cooperation on trade, climate change and US nuclear firms in Indian market.

Nevertheless both External Affairs Minister SM Krishna and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been insisting that their dialogue will be a broad brush review of on going cooperation in 18 key areas including science and technology, and agriculture.

But the icing on the cake which the US evidently hopes will bury India's doubts forever will be President Obama's visit to India in November.

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