New Delhi: United States Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca on September 10 held extensive parleys with senior officials in New Delhi to carry forward consultations on India's perception on the situation in South Asia.

Rocca arrived in New Delhi past midnight on a week-long trip for talks on a host of bilateral, regional and international issues, including the Iraq situation and West Asia crisis.

Other subjects of mutual concern would also come up for discussion, an American Embassy spokesman said.

"Regional dialogue" was the cryptic response of Rocca to waiting reporters at South Block when asked about the agenda of her first round of parleys.

Observing that it was "fine to be back here," she refused to take questions except saying that she had "lots of meetings".

Her visit comes amidst indications that New Delhi is not inclined to send its troops to war-ravaged Iraq under the present circumstances.

"This is the latest of the series of meetings between officials of the two countries to hold regular senior- level consultations," the spokesman said.

During her stay, Rocca is slated to hold meetings with Joint Secretary in External Affairs Ministry (in charge, Pakistan Affairs) Arun Singh, which would be followed by interactions with joint secretary (Americas) Jayant Prasad and territorial heads of other countries in the region. She will also call Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal.

PTI