Terrorism figured prominently at a meeting Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani had with United States Attorney General John Ashcroft over a working luncheon at the Justice Department on Monday.

Advani, according to officials, appreciated the gesture by Ashcroft, who was in fact his host during his last visit to the US.

India and United States are battling terrorism and trying to choke terrorist funding through banks, hawalas, front businesses and other ways.

Advani and Ashcroft are also believed to have discussed the laws both countries are pursuing to make it difficult for terrorists to operate.

Other subjects discussed between Advani and Ashcroft included the agreement on counter-terrorism, the implementation of the mutual legal assistance treaty, extradition and cross-border terrorism of Pakistan.

Advani is understood to have invited Ashcroft to visit India. The visit is expected to materialise towards the end of the year.