Expressing concern over attacks on Indian consulates in the US, senior US diplomat Gentry Smith on Tuesday said he would discuss security issues with his Indian counterparts during his visit to New Delhi.

Smith, the Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security, paid tribute to the five security personnel killed in a terrorist attack on the American Center in Kolkata 22 years ago.

“I think a lot of these (security) conversations will happen when I’m in Delhi. One of my responsibilities in the position that I have is to make sure that all diplomats who serve the U.S. get serious consideration,” Smith told reporters. . at the American Center.

“If there are security issues, we are committed to them. We are hired locally and we are hired at my level as well. I have staff in several locations in the US where there are embassies and consulates. those locations represent the safety and security of all diplomats serving in those locations,” he added.

A group of Khalistan supporters attacked the Indian consulate in San Francisco in March and July this year.

“My job is to ensure that our personnel can serve overseas in a safe manner. We cannot do this without the cooperation of those who share security responsibilities in the countries we serve. Mutually, we owe it to diplomats who also serve in the U.S.,” Smith said.

“We are in contact with US embassies, consulates and other foreign missions to make sure that when we consider all the responsibilities we have, we never lose sight of the fact that security is one of those responsibilities.” Smith added.

The US diplomat who visited Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai before coming to Kolkata attended a wreath-laying ceremony held at the American Center in memory of the security personnel killed in the 2002 attack.

Four policemen and a private security guard were killed while 20 others were injured when terrorists attacked the American Center in Kolkata on January 22, 2002.

The program was also attended by Consul General Kathy Giles-Diaz, besides senior officers of the Kolkata Police.

“It is unfortunate that this attack happened in Kolkata and that we have the tragic distinction of being the only place in India that does not have an attack on a US diplomatic facility. But I was very grateful and continue to be grateful for the cooperation. with the police and our local guard force,” the consul general said.