FBI chief meeting Indian officials, a proof of robust counter terror cooperation: US Envoy

New Delhi, Feb.23 (ANI): The United States Ambassador to India Timothy J. Roemer on Tuesday described the meeting between the visiting Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Robert Mueller with officials of the Government of India here, as a proof of the robust and active counter terror cooperation between the two countries.

A statement issued by Ambassador Roemer stated: "Today's meetings between FBI Director Robert Mueller and Indian government officials are further evidence of the robust and active counter terror cooperation between the U.S. and India."

"Our cooperation extends from the highest reaches of both governments and connects across to provide information and training to local law enforcement in both countries," it added. oemer said that the successful cooperation stretches to exchange best practices in both the United States and in India. "The State Department sponsored exchanges in which U.S. rail authorities traveled to New Delhi and Mumbai to observe firsthand the enormous task of securing India's vast railway system. Subsequently, a team of Indian government and law enforcement officials traveled to New York City and Washington D.C. These exchanges demonstrated our shared commitment to learning from each other to ensure the safety of our citizens."

"Terrorism respects no boundaries, and the recent attack in Pune where 15 innocent people from around the globe lost their lives-was a stark reminder that terrorists kill without regard for nationality. We must cooperate globally to protect our citizens locally in their cities, villages, and homes," he further added.

FBI chief Mueller during his meet with senior Indian Government officials in New Delhi is believed to have shared information about the probe related to Pakistan-born American terror suspect David Coleman Headley links to the planning of the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai.

Mueller"s visit to the Indian capital also assumes significance, as it is taking place just two days before the foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan lead their respective sides in day-long talks, which are expected primarily focus on the issue of terrorism emanating from Pakistan soil and what Islamabad intends to do to end the menace that has claimed innocent Indian lives over several years.

New Delhi has consistently maintained that Washington needs to thorougly probe Headley"s network in India and also establish his links with the Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Information provided by the FBI has so far revealed that Headley operated a visa agency in Mumbai for almost two years until July 2008 and had travelled to India on business visas nine times between 2006 and 2009.

With a Chicago court giving the FBI a 60-day deadline to complete its investigations in the Headley case and file an indictment, the FBI wants to move fast in the case.

Headley and Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin Tahawwur Hussain Rana are being held on charges of plotting attacks in India at the behest of the LeT.

Intelligence shared by the FBI following the interrogation of Headley revealed that two of India"s most prestigious boarding schools - Doon in Dehradun and Woodstock in Mussoorie - and the National Defence College in New Delhi were supposed targets of the LeT.

A team of intelligence officials from the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and the Intelligence Bureau had flown into Washington November 1 last year to question Headley about his link to masterminds of the LeT and whether he attended any of the training camps the 10 Pakistan-based terrorists went through for the 26/11 attack.

Objections from Headley"s lawyer, however, stopped the interrogation from proceeding. (ANI)