US Defence Secy Mattis to be in India next week on 3-day visit

New Delhi, Sept 23: In a first Cabinet-level visit after the take over of President Donald Trump, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis is arriving here on September 26 on a two-day visit during which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi besides Defence Minister Niramala Sitharaman. This will be a visit ‘’to underscore the enduring US commitment to strategic partner India,’’ the US Defence Department said in a statement issued here by the US Embassy. ‘’The secretary will emphasise that the United States views India as a valued and influential partner, with broad mutual interests extending well beyond South Asia,’’ the statement said. During his high-level meetings, the secretary will also express ‘’U.S. appreciation for India's important contributions toward Afghanistan's democracy, stability, prosperity, and security,’’ the US Defence Department said. Mr Modi had his first meeting with the US President in June this year at the White House. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj besides National Security Adviser Ajit Doval have also visited the US , but this will be the first high-level visit to India from the Trump Administration. UNI