Diplomatic sources say U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will visit India, Pakistan and Afghanistan for talks expected to focus on regional and international issues.
There has been no official U.S. announcement of the trip.
On Friday, an Indian foreign ministry spokesman told reporters Secretary Rice will arrive in New Delhi on March 16 for talks with Indian officials. The discussions are expected to include Nepal, where King Gyanendra has seized dictatorial powers in an effort to quell a Maoist insurgency.
The announcement of Ms. Rice's trip came as Indian and U.S. officials wrapped up two days of talks in New Delhi on issues related to missile defense. The spokesman said U.S. officials briefed India on the newest developments in the U.S. Missile Defense program.
There are no details on Secretary Rice's scheduled visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Some information for this report provided by AFP.
