FBI chief Robert Mueller meets Indian officials

Mar 3, 2009, 11:54 GMT

   New Delhi - Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Robert Mueller arrived in the Indian capital Tuesday to hold talks with Indian officials on security and terrorism-related issues, news reports said.

   The head of the United States' federal criminal investigative body and domestic intelligence agency met federal Home Minister P Chidambaram, the IANS news agency reported.

   Mueller was also expected to meet National Security Adviser MK Narayanan and Intelligence Bureau chief Rajiv Mathur before leaving for Pakistan Wednesday.

   'Mueller's visit was not unexpected as both the FBI and Indian intelligence agencies came close during the investigating process of last year's Mumbai terror attacks,' an unnamed Indian Home Ministry official was quoted by IANS as saying.

   The FBI has been collaborating with Indian agencies in investigations into the November attacks, which left more than 170 people dead.

   Indian agencies charged that the terrorists involved in the attack came from neighbouring Pakistan and were supported by elements in that country.

   The FBI helped Indian investigators with the analysis of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and global positioning systems of satellite phones used by the gunmen in Mumbai.

   India allowed the FBI to examine evidence related to the attack and interrogate accused in custody.

   The US agency is believed to have played a key role in investigations by assisting an exchange of information between India and Pakistan.