She said that she had apprised Kerry of cross-border terrorism by Pakistan and categorically said that there are no good or bad terrorists. “But we have also underscored that combating terrorism is a high priority for the United States in its bilateral relations with all countries in the region”, the official added.
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“Osama bin Laden was living in Pakistan while the whole world was looking for him and Pakistan was completely in denial”.
Mr Kerry asserted that his country “stands in strong partnership with India” against all terrorism, even as Ms Swaraj said terror from Pakistan and dialogue with Pakistan can not go together, adding that there would be no talks till Pakistan acted against terrorism emanating from its soil.
“They must work with us to help clear sanctuary of bad actors who are affecting not only India- Pakistan relationship but also our ability to achieve peace and stability in Afghanistan”, Kerry said. Wherever terrorists from Pakistan have come and hurt and killed Indian citizens, they have not moved against those perpetrators of terror. “I think it is crystal clear that United States and India are exactly of similar mind with respect to the issue of terror and the need to not only prevent it but to bring those to justice who perpetrate it”.
Later on Tuesday, Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister and John Kerry will lead their respective sides at the 2nd India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue in New Delhi, they will look into the progress on decision taken last time and identify new areas of cooperation.
Kerry also urged Pakistan to do more to counter extremist groups operating from its soil as Washington and New Delhi announced measures to strengthen security and energy ties.
Saying that Pakistan must act against terrorists in its territory, he said, USA will continue to support all efforts to bring the perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attacks to justice.
Kerry arrived in New Delhi on Monday night for the annual U.S. -India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue after a one-day stop in Bangladesh where he discussed increased militant attacks.
On his part, Kerry said, “The U.S. continues to support all efforts to bring the perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai and 2016 Pathankot attacks to justice”.
Kerry said there can not be distinction between good and bad terrorists as terror is terror no matter where it emanates from or who carries it out.
Kerry described the talks with India as “constructive” and said the sides had made headway on a variety of issues, including cyber-security and expanded cooperation on terrorist screening.
Kerry said he had spoken to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Raheel Sharif so that Pakistan deprives any terrorist group of sanctuary.
He specifically named the Haqqani network that operates in Afghanistan as well as the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has been blamed for attacks in India. He said it was vital for Pakistan itself to join other nations to fight terrorism, but hastily added that Islamabad off late has been taking steps against the Haqqani network and other groups on its western front.
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It allows their military forces access to each other’s bases for repairs and to replenish supplies.
