India-US-Japan Trilateral Meet on Monday

NEW DELHI (NNN-Bernama) -- The US' 'pivot-to-Asia' policy, Iran, China-Japan maritime dispute and South China Sea are among issues to be discussed during the 3rd round of India-US-Japan Trilateral dialogue here on Monday.

According to official sources, the US is expected to brief its much-talked about policy of 'pivot to Asia', an American move driven by the allure of emerging Asian economies particularly China and India.

Another reason for the move includes the draw-down of US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, which enables the US military to concentrate more resources on the Asia-Pacific, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.

The US is also expected to talk about Iran's nuclear programme.

Japan will talk about its maritime dispute with China and increasing Chinese influence in the South China Sea, sources said.

The three countries will explore the possibilities of cooperation in various areas, including piracy and safety of sea lanes in Asia Pacific.

The Japanese delegation will be led by Deputy Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kenji Hiramatsu, the US delegation by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Robert Blake and the Indian delegation by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gautam Bambawale.

The trilateral meeting comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Tokyo for the bilateral Summit on Nov 15. -- NNN-BERNAMA