Swaraj slams Pak-based terror in joint statement with US counterpart
What's the story
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj hit out at Pakistan, saying it must act against terrorist groups in its territory, during a joint statement with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in New Delhi. Tillerson said India and the US are "natural allies" and stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against terrorism. Besides terrorism, Swaraj and Tillerson also discussed Afghanistan, H-1B visas, and defense cooperation.
Details
Swaraj says Indo-US ties have deepened since Modi met Trump
Swaraj said Indo-US strategic and defense ties have deepened since PM Narendra Modi visited the US to meet President Trump in June. She said she and Tillerson "also discussed the important contribution of Indians working in the USA on H-1B visa and requested him that no steps be taken that affects Indian in the American soil."
On terrorism
Tillerson: US won't tolerate terror safe haves
Swaraj said, "Recent attacks in Afghanistan are proof that safe havens and supporters of terrorism are active." She said Trump's "policy on terrorism can only succeed when Pakistan takes action on terror groups." Tillerson acknowledged, "Terrorist safe havens will not be tolerated." He said, India is "crucial" for the US' new Afghanistan strategy and that America will "back India" as a regional leader.
On Pakistan
Tillerson: Safe havens now threaten Pakistan government's stability
Tillerson said he "had a very open frank exchange with Pakistan leaders in Islamabad yesterday" where he conveyed the US' expectations. He said America wants to "work with Pakistan in a positive way" which is in Islamabad's interest. "Too many terror groups find safe haven in Pakistan which is now threatening the stability of the Pakistan government," he added.
On North Korea
Swaraj reassures the US over relations with North Korea
Speaking on North Korea, Swaraj said, India has reduced its trade with the nuclear-powered nation considerably. She said India maintains a small embassy in Pyongyang, which some countries friendly to the US also do "for any possible communication." Swaraj's assurances to the US on the North come in the backdrop of Trump's attempts at globally isolating Pyongyang, which regularly threatens America with nuclear attacks.