Rumsfeld gives Advani a surprise,
calls on him at latter's hotel

In another major gesture signaling the importance the US attaches to ties with India, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld called on Deputy Prime Minister Advani shortly after the latter arrived in Washington from New York on a week-long official visit to the US.

"In a very special gesture, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld came to meet Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani at his hotel on Sunday, as Rumsfeld was going to be travelling out of Washington DC," a statement issued by the Indian embassy in Washington said adding, "The minister has greatly appreciated this gesture."

Bilateral issues, including growing defence cooperation between the United States and India, figured prominently during talks between the two leaders.

"Secretary Rumsfeld raised the question of India contributing troops for the stabilisation of Iraq. The deputy prime minister said that this matter was under the consideration of the government of India and that a decision will be taken after taking all aspects into account," it said.