Organised crime and terrorism were among the issues Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and US Under Secretary for Global Affairs Paula J. Dobriansky discussed during their talks here.

Saran and Dobriansky met under the aegis of the India-US Global Issues Forum Tuesday. The forum was launched in New Delhi in October 2002.

Two issues which figured at the meeting were the dangers from crime syndicates and their links with international terrorism.

"The two delegations held productive exchange of views and discussed new and expanded areas for India-US cooperation on global affairs. These included issues related to protection of the environment, sustainable development, protection of the vulnerable, combating trans-national organised crime, promotion of democratic values and human rights," according to a joint statement.

The deliberations "underlined the need for continued cooperation in protecting the global environment, including the use of cleaner and more efficient energy sources.

"Recognising the global ramifications of trafficking in illegal narcotics and persons, and their nexus with international terrorism and illegal arms trade, the two governments reaffirmed their determination to enhance collaborative efforts in these areas.

"The dialogue explored further efforts by both countries to promote democratic values and human rights globally through the UN, the community of democracies and other international forums," the statement said.

The forum is part of the structure that is now in place to connect the two countries at various levels of enhanced bilateral engagement.

Saran also held the Asian security dialogue meeting with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nick Burns.

That meeting was aimed specifically at bilateral cooperation in the area of Asian security issues.

--Indo-Asian News Service