Tuesday, May 17 2005 09:03 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Doing the spadework for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the US in July, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran will hold talks with senior US officials in Washington on a wide range of issues, including America's support for India's bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Saran, who arrives in Washington today (May 17, 2005) on a three-day visit, will hold talks with his US counterpart Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nick Burns, Counsellor at the State Department and a major policymaker Philip Zelikow and senior officials in Commerce Department.

Saran is expected to discuss with American officials the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to the US and cooperation in areas like civilian nuclear technology, space and Defence.

The US is yet to spell out its stand on India's bid for the UNSC seat.

On the eve of Saran's visit to US, 'New York Times' reported Sunday (May 15, 2005) that the US has signalled that it will not support the quest of India, Japan, Germany and Brazil for permanent seats in the UNSC unless they give up their demand for veto power.

Saran's engagements also include talks with Undersecretary of State Paula Dobriansky. Saran is Co-Chair of the Global Issues Forum.