Chicago: It's now official. Indian intelligence agency officers have met and questioned David Coleman Headley on his role in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
"Yes, access (to Headley) has been given. It is in the hands of right professionals from both countries," a statement from US National Security advisor James Jones' office said.
Jones also added, "We have fulfilled our commitment."
However, it is still unclear if the National Investigating Agency (NIA) team in Chicago will have multiples chances to question Headley.
The access came on the heels of fast moving developments at the strategic dialogue talks between India and the US in Washington.
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna had met with Jones and told US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton that access to Headley was the next logical step in Indo-US counter terror cooperation.
"I am sure that the US understands the sensitivities involved," Krishna said. (
Read: India assured of access to Headley, says Krishna)
Questioning sessions can only take place in the presence of a Department of Justice official and Headley's lawyer.
Both Indian officials and US have been extremely tight-lipped and are to issue a joint statement once the questioning is through.
Dawood Gilani alias David Headley had already struck a plea bargain with US authorities in the Mumbai attack case that saved him from the death penalty and extradition to India. (
Read: David Headley pleads guilty to all 12 charges, escapes extradition, death)
However, the fine print of the deal requires Headley to cooperate with foreign authorities and can be interviewed by them on US soil.
While it is a small step forward in India's quest for access to the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) scout, it's a giant soother in the recent hiccups in Indo-US counter terror cooperation. While it is not clear just how cooperative Headley has been and if his interrogation has provided any useful information, India's struggle to gain access is emblematic of the operational challenges India and the US face in realising the potential of their partnership.
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