Indian Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar with House Speaker Paul Ryan.

WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met Wednesday with a delegation of U.S. officials, including National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. H R McMaster and House Speaker Paul Ryan to discuss ideas on how to further strengthen relations between the two nations.

Topics that were discussed included counterterrorism, bilateral relations and, of course, how to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and India.

The two nations have already taken giant steps forward in their relationship, various accords were reached on matters of national security, counterterrorism and defense during President Obama’s administration. Jaishankar’s visit would ensure that it continues with the same strength and intensity.

During his conversation with House Speaker Paul Ryan, the two discussed various issues like enhancing economic and defense cooperation between both countries. “The relationship between the US and India is rooted in shared values of democracy and freedom,” Ryan said in a statement after meeting Jaishankar.

“We had a great opportunity today to build on this critical partnership by discussing ways to enhance our economic and defense cooperation,” he added.

Ryan also expressed his condolences in the shooting death of Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla, who was allegedly shot by 51-year-old Navy veteran Adam Purinton. The case is currently being investigated by the FBI as a hate crime.

“Our peoples must continue to stand together, and I look forward to working with Foreign Secretary Jaishankar in the years ahead,” Ryan said.

The Foreign Secretary is in Washington on a four-day visit to conduct discussions with the top brass of the Trump Administration, lawmakers, and the think-tank community.