Panetta visits Indian war memorial

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U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta laid a wreath at the India Gate war memorial on Wednesday (June 6) ahead of talks with the Indian defence minister, Arackaparambil Kurien Antony.

Panetta met Antony later in the day where the two were expected to discuss India's emerging role in the security relationship.

Panetta flew to India on a two-day visit as part of his week-long Asia tour to explain a new U.S. military strategy to allies and partners in the region.

On Tuesday (June 5), Panetta encouraged Indian leaders to take a more active role in Afghanistan as international forces leave, saying Washington viewed Pakistan's long-time rival as a source of regional security.

India signed a security agreement with Afghanistan last year and has longstanding ties with Kabul, but the relationship is viewed with suspicion by Pakistan. The Afghan conflict is considered by some to be a proxy war between the two nuclear neighbours.

U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan for influence in Afghanistan but insisted that both countries had an interest in working with the international community to ensure stability in their region.