In line with growing intelligence cooperation between the two countries, CIA director Leon Panetta is slated to fly down to India in the next couple of weeks for discussions with top security officials here.

The visit comes at a time when Indian and US officials are working closely on revelations from investigations into the David Coleman Headley case where the role of the Lashkar-e-Toiba has once again strengthened New Delhi’s case for stronger action against the LeT leadership, particularly Hafiz Mohammed Saeed.

Also, sources said, the two sides need to carry forward their conversation on Afghanistan with the election impasse having ended in incumbent Hamid Karzai’s favour. Indian assets in Afghanistan remain under constant threat just as US installations. There have been efforts to target the missions of both the countries in Kabul.

Significantly, the visit is planned for November 20-22, before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh leaves for Washington on a state visit. Both sides have been exploring ways to intensify counter-terror cooperation through deeper interaction between intelligence and security agencies.

India was Panetta’s first destination when he assumed office earlier this year. This is his second visit and he is expected to discuss ways of expanding intelligence sharing, which is vital for India given that US agencies are well entrenched in Pakistan.

During his stay, Panetta is expected to meet Home Minister P Chidambaram. Besides, he will hold detailed talks with National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, RAW chief K C Verma and director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) Rajiv Mathur.

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