"In Bangladesh, we'd like to see the government to respond vigorously to the challenge of violence and of religious extremism that have been all too evident in Bangladesh over the last several months," he told the press at the American Centre in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Burns, now in India as part of his South Asia tour, said, "We find India to be a very effective and very reliable partner in trying to work together to promote stability in South Asia."

He said, "Both of us are concerned at the situation in Nepal. Neither of us wants to see a return to violence in Nepal by the Maoists."

The US State Department official said both USA and India want to see the kingdom to return to a democratic foundation.

On Sri Lanka, Burns said, "I think it's fair to say we want to see a strengthening of the cease-fire agreement, an end to the violence that we've seen over the recent weeks"

On Afghanistan, he said "We wish to support President Karzai, and we'll both be attending, India and the United States, a major international conference in London on January 31 to support the Afghan people and pledge economic assistance and support for the government."