New Delhi/Washington, Mar 25 (UNI) National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met US Defence Secretary James Mattis in Washington last night and discussed expansion of Indo-US ties and deepening of cooperation to meet the challenge of terrorism. In his second visit to the US after Mr Donald Trump assumed presidency, Mr Doval also had talks with other senior officials of the Trump Administration, including Secretary of Homeland Security Gen (Retd) John Kelly and National Security Adviser Gen HR McMaster. Besides, Mr Doval had meetings with Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed services Committee, and Senator Richard Burr who head the Senate Selects Committee on intelligence. After Mr Doval’s meeting with Mattis, Pentagon Spokesperson Capt Jeff Davis in a readout of the meeting said, 'Secretary Mattis and NSA Doval further discussed collaboration on a wide range of regional security matters, including maritime security and counter-terrorism. The Two pledged to continue the strong defence partnership between both nations.’’ Mr Davis said Mattis specifically applauded India’s efforts to promote stability in South Asia region and reaffirmed building upon the progress made in significant defence cooperation in recent years. UNI NAZ SB SNU 1342