PM meets president; discusses internal security issues

Prime minister Manmohan Singh today met president Pratibha Patil and discussed various national and international issues, including matters related to internal security.

The meeting takes place against the backdrop of stepped up violence from Maoists and the government already clearing an anti-Naxal offensive.

A Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said the two leaders met for 30 minutes. "The prime minister called on the president and greeted her on occasion of Diwali.

"They also discussed various issues of national and international importance, particularly internal security issues, agricultural production and food security," the spokesperson said.

The prime minister also briefed President on his forthcoming visit to Thailand where he will attend the AseanN India summit. Singh will travel to Thailand on October 24 on a two-day trip, during which he is also expected to meet some world leaders, including Chinese premier Wen Jiabao.