Natwar returns, Rocca to follow

External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh’s trip to the United States will be followed by hectic diplomatic parleys between the two countries. US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca is expected to be here next week for consultations on the political situation in the neighbourhood.

Rocca’s discussions are expected to focus on Nepal and Bangladesh as both New Delhi and Washington will look to strengthen cooperation in dealing with the deteriorating political environment in both countries. Rocca is expected here by Monday.

Both countries have been consulting closely on Nepal and have demanded early restoration of multi-party democracy there. Rocca may travel to these countries to assess the situation for herself.

India and US had agreed to cooperate closely on Bangladesh during US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s visit last month.