Khurshid, Kerry begin talks

India and the US began the fourth edition of the India-US Strategic Dialogue here Monday. It was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and US Secretary of State John Kerry.

The talks are being held in Hyderabad House. Later on, the two are to hold a press conference.

Kerry, who arrived here Sunday on a three-day visit, has said he was keen to push forward implementation of the Indo-US civil nuclear deal and for more defence co-production and co-development, besides cooperation in higher education and other issues.

The India-US Strategic Dialogue, inaugurated in 2009, is a forum to discuss the full range of US-India cooperation on bilateral and regional issues, reflecting the strong strategic partnership between the two countries.

The topic for discussion during Kerry's visit will include bilateral and regional economic engagement, regional security and defence, science and technology, climate change, and other global issues such as women's empowerment, non-proliferation and space cooperation.

Afghanistan, the drawdown by the US-led international forces, the US' proposal of talks with the Taliban, the elections there next year are also expected to figure as well as other regional matters, including relations with Pakistan.