Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh kicked-off his State Visit to the US by meeting Defence Secretary Robert Gates and the two leaders are understood to have discussed issues of bilateral interest and situation in the region.<br/>Gates called on Dr. Singh at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, and the two leaders held talks for over 30 minutes wherein Prime Minister told Gates that India and US share a deep strategic relationship. Dr. Singh and Gates are understood to have discussed the Counter-Terrorism methods and also about stepping up cooperation against the menace.<br/><br/>The meeting between the Prime Minister and US Defence Secretary assume significance as it comes just a day before Dr. Singh is scheduled to meet President Barack Obama in the White House. Terrorism emanating from Pakistan against India, situation in Afghanistan, Climate Change etc are the issues which the two leaders are likely to discuss in the meeting.<br/>