UK says there's no excuse for terrorism coming from Pakistan
Britain's defence secretary Michael Fallon said there's no excuse for terrorism that "flows across" Pakistan's borders into Afghanistan and elsewhere. Fallon is on a three-day visit to India and his statement suggests a subtle shift in the UK's stance on South Asia. It comes as the UK tries to improve relations with major economies following the Brexit.
Fallon says Britain is forthright on terrorism arising from Pakistan
"There is no excuse, justification for terrorism and we make that very clear in Pakistan" Fallon said. "We have to be more forthright on terrorism…we have to call it out for what it is," he added. He said his talks in India would focus "on what more Pakistan needs to do to tackle terrorism that flows across the border into Afghanistan and elsewhere."
Fallon says Pakistan "causing real difficulties in Afghanistan"
Fallon said Britain has been attempting to improve Pakistan-Afghanistan relations because Islamabad's actions are "causing real difficulties in Afghanistan." Afghanistan has time and again accused Pakistan of harbouring and supporting members of the dreaded Afghan Taliban in its territory. Fallon said the UK has made it clear to Pakistan's new army chief that "they have work to do in the border areas."
UK keen to deepen defence relations with India
Fallon said he will be discussing how to improve the India-UK Defence and International Security Partnership during his meetings with Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the three military chiefs. He said British defence companies are willing to invest in India's Make in India programme to requip and benefit the militaries of both countries.
Indian brain power and British experience to enhance defence research
"We are looking now at a range of different technologies, mainly to protect us against cyber attacks, to develop autonomous systems under water and aviation and to help us develop the next generation of aircraft," Fallon said.
